Multi-layer ceramic electronic device

ABSTRACT

A multi-layer ceramic electronic device includes an element body and terminal electrodes. The terminal electrodes include end electrode parts covering ends of the element body in which internal electrode layers are led and upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the element body in a lamination direction. An upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body located between the upper electrode parts has an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the upper electrode parts. The terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the lamination direction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a multi-layer ceramic electronic device used as, for example, a multilayer ceramic capacitor. Specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-layer ceramic electronic device capable of being thinned.

For example, as shown in Patent Document 1, it is normal that a conventional multilayer ceramic capacitor has terminal electrodes on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the element body, and that each of the terminal electrodes has an end electrode part of the element body, an upper electrode part covering an upper surface of the element body, and a lower-surface electrode part covering a lower surface of the element body.

Base electrodes of the terminal electrodes are formed by immersing ends of the element body into a solution containing conductive particles. In the immersion, multiple element bodies are put into respective holding holes formed on a holding plate, and ends of the element bodies are immersed by one ends at a time into the solution to form the base electrodes. After that, if necessary, plating films are formed on the base electrodes to obtain the terminal electrodes.

In any case, if the element bodies are not thick enough, it is hard to form the base electrodes and the plating films in forming the terminal electrodes onto the element bodies. That is, if the element bodies are thin, they easily get broken in putting them into the holding holes of the holding plate. In addition, if the element bodies are thin, they easily get broken in carrying out the plating. In such a conventional multilayer ceramic capacitor, it is thereby hard to thin the element body and to achieve the low profile of the multilayer ceramic capacitor.

In the multilayer ceramic capacitor of Patent Document 2, first and second external electrodes are not formed on either of surfaces in the lamination direction (height direction) of dielectric layers and internal electrode layers. This makes it possible to increase the height of the capacitor and contributes to increase in capacitance.

However, Patent Document 2 does not consider strengthening the element body in a low profile of the multilayer ceramic capacitor.

Patent Document 1: JP201728254 (A)

Patent Document 2: JP2017152621 (A)

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention has been achieved under such circumstances. It is an object of the invention to provide a multi-layer ceramic electronic device capable of low profile, such as multilayer ceramic capacitors.

To achieve the above object, a multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:

an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately in a third axis; and

terminal electrodes formed on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers,

wherein the terminal electrodes include:

-   -   a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second         axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis in         which the internal electrode layers are led; and     -   a pair of upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode         parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the         element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis,

wherein an upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body located between the pair of upper electrode parts has an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the upper electrode parts, and

wherein the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the third axis.

A multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention includes:

an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately in a third axis; and

terminal electrodes formed on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers,

wherein the terminal electrodes include:

-   -   a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second         axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis in         which the internal electrode layers are led; and     -   a pair of upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode         parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the         element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis,

wherein an upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body located between the pair of upper electrode parts has an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the upper electrode parts, and

wherein a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the third axis is entirely exposed outside.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the first aspect of the present invention and the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the third, fourth, and sixth aspects of the present invention mentioned below, the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on the lower surface of the element body. In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the second aspect of the present invention and the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fifth and seventh aspects of the present invention mentioned below, the lower surface of the element body is entirely exposed. In the structure of conventional multi-layer ceramic electronic devices, only reducing the thickness of the element body (e.g., about 100 μm or less) is not enough to form the terminal electrodes on the element body.

The multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention and the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the third to seventh aspects of the present invention mentioned below can be formed by, for example, combining two or more thin element bodies, forming the terminal electrodes thereon, and thereafter dividing the element bodies. It is thereby possible to easily manufacture a multi-layer ceramic electronic device that is about half as thin as conventional ones.

In a multi-layer ceramic electronic device to be obtained, the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on the lower surface of the element body, or the lower surface of the element body is entirely exposed. Then, the multi-layer ceramic electronic device can have a small total thickness of 100 μm or smaller (preferably 90 μm or smaller, more preferably 80 μm or smaller, and still more preferably 60 μm or smaller). This contributes to a low profile of the multi-layer ceramic electronic device.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, a predetermined upper-surface cover layer is formed between the pair of upper electrode parts. This smoothes steps near the upper surface of the element body and makes it possible to prevent a stress concentration on the steps even if the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices are thinned and to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices.

The improvement in bending strength makes it easy to increase the length of the element body in the first axis or the second axis, increases a facing area between the internal electrode layers in the element body, and improves characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the electronic devices.

As described above, there are no steps on the upper surface of the element body on which the upper electrode parts are formed. It is thereby easy to pick up the multi-layer ceramic devices by vacuum suction and to incorporate them in a substrate.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the lower surface of the element body is preferably a flat surface. When the lower surface of the element body is a flat surface, for example, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention are easily embedded into a substrate. When the flat surface (the lower surface of the element body) is placed on a mount surface, the element body is attached on the mount surface, and the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices have an improved bending strength.

Preferably, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention further include a lateral cover layer formed continuously to the upper-surface cover layer on a part of at least either of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis.

When the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention further include the lateral cover layer, they can have a further increased bending strength.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the upper-surface cover layer is preferably made of a glass whose softening point is 600° C. or higher and 850° C. or lower.

When the upper-surface cover layer is made of a glass having a predetermined softening point, the adhesion with the upper electrode parts is improved, the bending strength can be further increased, and cracks can be less likely to occur.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first and second aspects of the present invention, the element body may include an upper-surface reinforcement layer located below the upper electrode parts and the upper-surface cover layer.

In this structure, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices have a further improved bending strength and can have fewer cracks in the following steps.

To achieve the above object, a multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention includes:

an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately in a third axis; and

terminal electrodes formed on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers,

wherein the terminal electrodes include:

-   -   a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second         axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis in         which the internal electrode layers are led; and     -   a pair of upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode         parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the         element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis,

wherein the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the third axis, and

wherein the lower surface of the element body is entirely covered with a lower-surface cover layer.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the lower surface of the element body is entirely covered with a lower-surface cover layer. This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic device.

The improvement in bending strength makes it easy to increase the length of the element body in the first axis or the second axis, increases a facing area between the internal electrode layers in the element body, and improves characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the electronic devices.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the exterior surface of the lower-surface cover layer is preferably a flat surface. When the lower-surface cover layer is a flat surface, for example, the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention is easily embedded into a substrate. When the flat surface (the surface of the lower-surface cover layer) is placed on a mount surface, the multi-layer ceramic electronic device is attached on the mount surface and has an improved bending strength.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, preferably, an upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body located between the pair of upper electrode parts has an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the upper electrode parts.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, a predetermined upper-surface cover layer is formed between the pair of upper electrode parts. The predetermined upper-surface cover layer is attached to the multi-layer ceramic electronic device so that the surface of the upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body located between the pair of upper electrode parts is substantially flush with the surfaces of the upper electrode parts. This smoothes steps near the upper surface of the element body and makes it possible to prevent a stress concentration on the steps even if the multi-layer ceramic electronic device is thinned and to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic device.

As described above, there are no steps on the upper surface of the element body on which the upper electrode parts are formed. It is thereby easy to pick up the multi-layer ceramic device by vacuum suction and to incorporate it in a substrate.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the lower-surface cover layer may be thinner than the upper-surface cover layer.

When the lower-surface cover layer is thinner than the upper-surface cover layer, the multi-layer ceramic electronic device is prevented from having a too large length in the third axis and can be mounted without any problem.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts may be covered with the end cover layers.

When the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts are covered with the end cover layers, the multi-layer ceramic electronic device can have a high humidity resistance.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the element body may include an upper-surface reinforcement layer located below the upper electrode parts and the upper-surface cover layer.

In this structure, the multi-layer ceramic electronic device has a further improved bending strength.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the third aspect of the present invention, the surfaces of the upper electrode parts are preferably covered with at least one of Ni plating, Sn plating, Au plating, and Cu plating.

To achieve the above object, a multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention includes:

an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately in a third axis; and

terminal electrodes formed on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers,

wherein the element body includes a pair of lateral reinforcement layers covering ends of the internal electrode layers exposed to a pair of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis,

wherein the terminal electrodes include:

-   -   a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second         axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis in         which the internal electrode layers are led; and     -   a pair of upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode         parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the         element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis, and

wherein the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the third axis.

A multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention includes:

an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately in a third axis; and

terminal electrodes formed on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers,

wherein the element body includes a pair of lateral reinforcement layers covering ends of the internal electrode layers exposed to a pair of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis,

wherein the terminal electrodes include:

-   -   a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second         axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis in         which the internal electrode layers are led; and     -   a pair of upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode         parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the         element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis, and

wherein a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the third axis is entirely exposed outside.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the lateral reinforcement layers are formed on the pair of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis while being in contact with the internal electrode layers. This protects both ends of the dielectric layers in the first axis and both ends of the internal electrode layers in the first axis and makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic electronic device.

The improvement in bending strength makes it easy to increase the length of the element body in the first axis or the second axis, increases a facing area between the internal electrode layers in the element body, and improves characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the electronic devices.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, since the predetermined lateral reinforcement layers are formed while being in contact with the internal electrode layers, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices can have a high humidity resistance. That is, water can be prevented from entering the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices. It is thereby possible to use the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices in an environment containing water or a humid environment. Moreover, even if the manufacturing steps of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices include a step using water or a wet step, it is possible to prevent water from entering the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices and to prevent decrease in insulation property.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the lower surface of the element body is preferably a flat surface. When the lower surface of the element body is a flat surface, for example, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention are easily embedded into a substrate. When the flat surface (the lower surface of the element body) is placed on a mount surface, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices are attached on the mount surface and have an improved bending strength.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the lateral reinforcement layers are preferably made of a glass containing at least Si and Ba.

When the lateral reinforcement layers are made of a glass containing at least Si and Ba, the lateral reinforcement layers and the insulation layers are hard to react with each other, and insulation property can be improved.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the terminal electrodes include a pair of lateral electrode parts formed continuously to the upper electrode parts and the end electrode parts on the lateral surfaces located on both sides of the element body in the first axis. Preferably, the lateral reinforcement layers have a relative thickness of 100 to 1500%, which is represented by (an average thickness of the lateral reinforcement layers/an average thickness of the lateral electrode parts)×100.

When the lateral reinforcement layers have a relative thickness within a predetermined range, the humidity resistance and the bending strength can be further increased. Moreover, a ratio of “a width of a capacitance region in the first axis” to “a width of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices in the first axis” does not become too small, and it is thereby possible to sufficiently ensure characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the electronic devices.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, an upper-surface reinforcement layer may be formed continuously to the lateral reinforcement layers on the upper surface of the element body.

This structure further improves the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices. In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices having an improved strength, even if the element body is thinned, it becomes easy for the element body to have a large length in the longitudinal direction or a large width, a facing area between the internal electrode layers in the element body is large, and characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices can be further improved.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, the surfaces of the upper electrode parts are preferably covered with at least one of Ni plating, Sn plating, Au plating, and Cu plating.

To achieve the above object, a multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention includes:

an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately in a third axis; and

terminal electrodes formed on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers,

wherein the terminal electrodes include:

-   -   a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second         axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis in         which the internal electrode layers are led; and     -   a pair of upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode         parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the         element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis,

wherein the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the third axis,

wherein the element body includes a reinforcement layer,

wherein the reinforcement layer covers at least one of a pair of lateral surfaces facing each other in the first axis, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the element body,

wherein the reinforcement layer contains a filler and a substrate,

wherein the filler is made of glass or alumina, and

wherein the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape.

To achieve the above object, a multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention includes:

an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately in a third axis; and

terminal electrodes formed on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers,

wherein the element body includes a pair of lateral reinforcement layers covering ends of the internal electrode layers exposed to a pair of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis,

wherein the terminal electrodes include:

-   -   a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second         axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis in         which the internal electrode layers are led; and     -   a pair of upper electrode parts continuing to the end electrode         parts and each partially covering an upper surface of the         element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis,

wherein the lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body in the third axis is entirely exposed outside,

wherein the element body includes a reinforcement layer,

wherein the reinforcement layer covers at least one of a pair of lateral surfaces facing each other in the first axis, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the element body,

wherein the reinforcement layer contains a filler and a substrate,

wherein the filler is made of glass or alumina, and

wherein the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the reinforcement layer containing a filler made of a predetermined material and having a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape is formed on at least one of the lateral surfaces, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the element body. This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices.

The improvement in bending strength makes it easy to increase the length of the element body in the first axis or the second axis, increases a facing area between the internal electrode layers in the element body, and improves characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the electronic devices.

The multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention may include the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface of the element body.

When the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface is formed in contact with the upper electrode parts, the adhesion between the element body and the terminal electrodes can be strong, and the humidity resistance from the upper surface tends to be excellent.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the substrate may be made of at least one of glass and resin.

When the substrate is made of at least one of glass and resin, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices can have an increased bending strength.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface and the reinforcement layers covering the lateral surfaces may continuously cover the element body.

When the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface and the reinforcement layers covering the lateral surfaces continuously cover the element body, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices can have an increased bending strength.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, an upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body located between the pair of upper electrode parts may have an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the upper electrode parts.

This smoothes steps near the upper surface of the element body and makes it possible to prevent a stress concentration on the steps even if the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices are thinned and to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices.

As described above, there are no steps on the upper surface of the element body on which the upper electrode parts are formed. It is thereby easy to pick up the multi-layer ceramic devices by vacuum suction and to incorporate them in a substrate.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the external surfaces of the end electrode parts may be covered with end cover layers.

When the external surfaces of the end electrode parts are covered with end cover layers, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices can have a high humidity resistance. That is, even if the terminal electrodes are thinned by low profile of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices, water can be prevented from entering the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices. Thus, even if manufacturing steps of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices include a step using water or a wet step, it is possible to prevent water from entering the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices and to prevent decrease in insulation property.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the lower surface of the element body may be a flat surface.

The multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention may include the reinforcement layer covering the lower surface, and the external surface of the reinforcement layer covering the lower surface may be a flat surface.

When the lower surface or the external surface of the reinforcement layer covering the lower surface is a flat surface, for example, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention is easily embedded into a substrate. When the flat surface (the lower surface or the external surface of the reinforcement layer covering the lower surface) is placed on a mount surface, the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices are attached on the mount surface and have an improved bending strength.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the filler may have a particle size in the minor axis of 0.1 μm or larger and 3.0 μm or smaller, the filler may have a particle size in the major axis of 0.5 μm or larger and 15.0 μm or smaller, and the filler may have an aspect ratio of 0.7% or more and 60% or less, which is represented by (a particle size in the minor axis/a particle size in the major axis).

This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices. When the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices have a reinforcement layer on the upper surface of the element body, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface and the upper electrode parts and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the amount of the filler in the reinforcement layer may be 30 vol % or larger and 80 vol % or smaller.

This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices. When the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices have a reinforcement layer on the upper surface of the element body, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface and the upper electrode parts and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the substrate may be made of a glass whose main component is at least one of Si and Al.

This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices. When the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices have a reinforcement layer on the upper surface of the element body, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface and the upper electrode parts and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the filler may be made of a glass whose sub-component is at least one of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and boron.

When the filler is made of a glass whose sub-component is at least one of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and boron, the upper electrode parts are easily formed by plating on a part of the surface of the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface.

In the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the sixth and seventh aspects of the present invention, the surfaces of the upper electrode parts may be covered with at least one of Ni plating, Sn plating, Au plating, and Cu plating.

The multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention may be embedded into a substrate.

The multi-layer ceramic electronic devices according to the first to seventh aspects of the present invention have the upper electrode parts and are thereby electrically connectable via the upper electrode parts even if the multi-layer ceramic electronic devices are embedded into a substrate.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A1 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the IIA1-IIA1 line shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the IIA2-IIA2 line shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the IIB-IIB line shown in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 3 is a plane view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 1A illustrating a manufacturing step thereof and a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 7A illustrating a manufacturing step thereof.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 1A illustrating a use example thereof.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 1A illustrating a use example thereof.

FIG. 7A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A1 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the XIIA1-XIIA1 line shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A2 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the XIIA2-XIIA2 line shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the XIIB-IIB line shown in FIG. 7B.

FIG. 8C is a transverse cross-sectional view of a variation of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 9 is a plane view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 7A.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 7A illustrating a use example thereof.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 7A illustrating a use example thereof.

FIG. 12A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the XXIIA-XXIIA line shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 13B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the XXIIB-XXIIB line shown in FIG. 12B.

FIG. 14 is a plane view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 12A.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 12A illustrating a manufacturing step thereof.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 12A illustrating a use example thereof.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 12A illustrating a use example thereof.

FIG. 18A is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18B is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a multilayer ceramic capacitor according to further another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19A is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the XXXIIA-XXXIIA line shown in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 19B is a transverse cross-sectional view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor along the XXXIIB-XXXIIB line shown in FIG. 18B.

FIG. 20 is a plane view of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 18A.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 18A illustrating a manufacturing step thereof.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 18A illustrating a use example thereof.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the multilayer ceramic capacitor shown in FIG. 18A illustrating a use example thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Hereinafter, the present invention is described based on embodiments shown in the figures.

First Embodiment

As an embodiment of a multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to the present embodiment, a multilayer ceramic capacitor is described.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment includes an element body 4, a first terminal electrode 6, and a second terminal electrode 8. The element body 4 includes inner dielectric layers (insulation layers) 10 and internal electrode layers 12 substantially parallel to a plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis. The internal electrode layers 12 are alternately laminated along the Z-axis direction between the inner dielectric layers 10. Here, “substantially parallel” means that most part is parallel, but that there may be a part that is not slightly parallel. The internal electrode layers 12 and the inner dielectric layers 10 may slightly be uneven or inclined.

An interior region 13 is a region where the inner dielectric layers 10 and the internal electrode layers 12 are alternately laminated. The element body 4 has exterior regions 11 on both end surfaces of the element body 4 in its lamination direction Z (Z-axis). The exterior regions 11 are formed by laminating a plurality of outer dielectric layers that are thicker than the inner dielectric layers 10 constituting the interior region 13. Preferably, the thickness of the interior region 13 in the Z-axis direction is 10 to 75% of a total thickness z0 of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. The total thickness of the two exterior regions 11 is a value obtained by subtracting the thickness of the interior region 13, the thickness of the terminal electrode 6 (8), and the thickness of the below-mentioned upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 from the total thickness z0.

Hereinafter, the “inner dielectric layers 10” and the “outer dielectric layers” may be referred to as the “dielectric layers” together.

The dielectric layers constituting the inner dielectric layers 10 and the exterior regions 11 may be made of the same material or different materials and are made of any material whose main component is a perovskite-type dielectric material, such as ABO₃.

In ABO₃, “A” is at least one of Ca, Ba, Sr, etc., and “B” is at least one of Ti, Zr, etc. The molar ratio of AB is not limited and 0.980 to 1.020. In addition, the dielectric layers constituting the inner dielectric layers 10 and the exterior regions 11 may contain a sub-component of an oxide of rare earth element (at least one of Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu), alkaline earth metal element (Mg and Mn), and transition metal element (at least one of V, W, and Mo), a mixture thereof, a composite oxide, a sintering agent containing SiO₂ as glass, and the like.

The internal electrode layers 12 alternately laminated on one side have leading parts 12 a electrically connected with an inner side of the first terminal electrode 6 formed on the outer side of one end of the element body 4 in the Y-axis direction. The internal electrode layers 12 alternately laminated on the other side have leading parts 12 b electrically connected with an inner side of the second terminal electrode 8 formed on the outer side of the other end of the element body 4 in the Y-axis direction.

In the figures, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The Z-axis corresponds to the lamination direction of the inner dielectric layers 10 and the internal electrode layers 12, and the Y-axis corresponds to a direction where the leading parts 12 a and 12 b are led.

The interior region 13 has a capacitance region and leading regions. The capacitance region is a region where the internal electrode layers 12 sandwich the inner dielectric layers 10 and are laminated along the lamination direction. The leading regions are located between the leading parts 12 a (12 b) of the internal electrode layers 12 connected with the terminal electrode 6 (8). Moreover, side-gap regions 14 shown in FIG. 2A1 and FIG. 2A2 are located on both ends of the internal electrode layers 12 in the X-axis direction and protect the internal electrode layers 12. The side-gap regions 14 are normally made of a dielectric material similar to that of the inner dielectric layers 10 or the exterior regions 11, but may be made of a glass material to be an upper-surface cover layer 18, lateral cover layers 18 a, an upper-surface reinforcement layer 16, or lateral reinforcement layers 16 a mentioned below. The exterior regions 11 may also be made of a glass material.

A conductive material contained in the internal electrode layers 12 is any material, such as metal of Ni, Cu, Ag, Pd, Al, Pt, etc. and alloy of these metals. The Ni alloy is preferably an alloy of Ni and one or more elements of Mn, Cr, Co, and Al and preferably contains 95 mass % or more of Ni. Incidentally, Ni or the Ni alloy may contain about 0.1 mass % or less of various fine components, such as P.

The terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are made of any material, such as at least one of Ni, Pd, Ag, Au, Cu, Pt, Rh, Ru, Ir, etc. and alloy of these elements. The terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are normally made of Cu, Cu alloy, Ni, Ni alloy, Ag, Ag—Pd alloy, In—Ga alloy, or the like.

In the present embodiment, the first and second terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are attached on end surfaces 4 a and 4 b of the element body 4 in the Y-axis direction, respectively, and may be formed by a single layer or multiple layers. The terminal electrode 6 (8) has an end electrode part 6 a (8 a) covering the end surface 4 a (4 b), which is a leading end of the element body 4 where the leading parts 12 a (12 b) of the internal electrode layers 12 are led. Moreover, the terminal electrode 6 (8) has an upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) formed continuously to the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) on a part of the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis.

Here, “substantially perpendicular” means roughly perpendicular, but also means that there may be a part that is not slightly perpendicular. The upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) may slightly be uneven or inclined.

As shown in FIG. 2A1, the terminal electrode 6 (8) has a lateral electrode part 6 c (8 c) formed continuously to the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) and the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) (see FIG. 1A) on each of lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e located on both sides of the element body 4 in the X-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 1A, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are insulated each other with a predetermined distance in the Y-axis direction on the exterior surface of the element body 4.

The thickness of the terminal electrode 6 (8) may be the same as or different from the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b), the end electrode part 6 a (8 a), and the lateral electrode part 6 c (8 c) and is, for example, 2 to 15 μm. In the present embodiment, the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) and the lateral electrode part 6 c (8 c) are thicker than the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) by 100 to 750%.

In the present embodiment, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on a lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 located opposite to the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 in the Z-axis direction. That is, the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is not covered with the terminal electrode 6 or the terminal electrode 8 and is entirely exposed outside. Moreover, the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is a flat surface. Since the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is not covered with the terminal electrode 6 or the terminal electrode 8, the lower surface 4 d has no steps and is excellent in flatness.

In the present embodiment, the upper-surface cover layer 18 covering the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 located between a pair of upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b is formed to be substantially flush with the surface of the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b).

Here, “substantially flush” means roughly flush, but also means that there may be a few steps. For example, the upper-surface cover layer 18 has a relative thickness of 70 to 110% (preferably, 90 to 110%), which is obtained from the formula of (an average thickness of the upper-surface cover layer 18/an average thickness of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b)×100. Moreover, “substantially flush” means that there may be a slight space between the upper-surface cover layer 18 and the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) and also means that the upper-surface cover layer 18 itself may have a slight space. For example, an area ratio of the upper-surface cover layer 18 to the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 located between the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b is 70 to 100%. This smoothes steps near the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 and makes it possible to prevent a stress concentration on the steps even if the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 is thinned and to increase the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. In addition, when the chip is suctioned in vacuum in a mounting step onto a board or so, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 is more easily picked up.

The upper-surface cover layer 18 is made of any material, such as glass, alumina based composite material, zirconia based composite material, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, aramid fiber, and fiber reinforced plastic, but is preferably made of a glass whose softening point is 600° C. or higher and 850° C. or lower in view of improving the bending strength by strengthening the adhesion between the exterior region 11 and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b.

From the above point of view, it is more preferred that the glass used for the upper-surface cover layer 18 has a softening point of 650° C. or higher and 850° C. or lower. Such a glass is a Si—B—Zn—O based glass, a Si—B—Mg—O, or the like. In addition, a glass component of BaO, Al₂O₃, alkali metal, CaO, and SrO may be contained.

Preferably, the glass component constituting the upper-surface cover layer 18 contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 1 to 20 mass % of B₂O₃, and 20 to 60 mass % of ZnO. This makes it easier to appropriately control the softening point of the glass.

Preferably, 70 to 100 mass % of SiO₂, B₂O₃, and ZnO are contained in the glass component constituting the upper-surface cover layer 18 of the present embodiment. This makes it easier to appropriately control the softening point of glass.

When the upper-surface cover layer 18 of the present embodiment is made of a film whose main component is resin, the upper-surface cover layer 18 is preferably made of a material whose elasticity is lower than that of the dielectric layers. This reduces stress impact from outside and thereby makes it possible to prevent cracks in the following steps.

Moreover, when the upper-surface cover layer 18 of the present embodiment is made of a film whose main component is Si, the upper-surface cover layer 18 is preferably made of a material whose linear thermal expansion coefficient is lower than that of the dielectric layers. This makes it possible to increase the strength by stress adjustment using the difference in linear thermal expansion coefficient.

The multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 has a shape and a size appropriately determined based on purpose and use. In the present embodiment, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 can have a small total thickness z0 in the Z-axis direction (e.g., 100 μm or smaller, preferably 90 μm or smaller, more preferably 80 μm or smaller, and still more preferably 60 μm or smaller). This contributes to a low profile of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2.

In the present embodiment, the length y0 of the capacitor 2 in the Y-axis direction (longitudinal length) can be three times or larger than the thickness z0 (preferably 300 μm or larger, more preferably 400 to 1200 μm), and the width x0 of the capacitor 2 in the X-axis direction can be twice or larger than the thickness z0 (preferably 200 μm or larger, more preferably 200 to 600 μm).

In the present embodiment, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 can have a small total thickness z0 in the Z-axis direction (e.g., 100 μm or smaller, preferably 90 μm or smaller, more preferably 80 μm or smaller, and still more preferably 60 μm or smaller). Since the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is a flat surface, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 is easily embedded into a multilayer substrate 40 as shown in, for example, FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, a wiring pattern 42 formed on the multilayer substrate 40 is connected with the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) of the terminal electrode 6 (8) of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 via a through hole electrode or so. In the present embodiment, when the flat surface (the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4) is placed on a mount surface, the element body 4 is attached on the mount surface, and the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 has an improved bending strength.

In the present embodiment, the exterior regions 11 forming the upper surface 4 c and the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 may be made of a dielectric material that is stronger than the inner dielectric layers 10. This structure further improves the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. When the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 is strengthened, it becomes easy for the element body 4 to have a large length y0 in the longitudinal direction or a large width x0, a facing area between the internal electrode layers 12 in the element body 4 is large, and characteristics (e.g., capacitance) are improved. Moreover, the side-gap regions 14 shown in FIG. 2A1 and FIG. 2A2 may be made of a dielectric material that is stronger than the inner dielectric layers 10.

Next, specifically described is a method of manufacturing the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 as an embodiment of the present invention.

To manufacture inner green sheets that will be constituting the inner dielectric layers 10 shown in FIG. 1A after firing and outer green sheets that will be constituting the exterior regions 11 after firing, a paste for the inner green sheets and a paste for the outer green sheets are initially prepared. The paste for the inner green sheets and the paste for the outer green sheets are made of an aqueous paste or an organic-solvent-based paste obtained by kneading a ceramic powder with an organic vehicle.

A raw material of the ceramic powder may appropriately be selected from various compounds to be a composite oxide or an oxide, such as carbonate, nitrate, hydroxide, and organometallic compound, and these various compounds can be mixed for use. In the present embodiment, the raw material of the ceramic powder is preferably used as a powder having an average grain size of 0.45 μm or less (preferably, about 0.1 to 0.3 μm). To obtain extremely thin inner green sheets, it is preferable to use a powder that is finer than the thickness of the green sheets.

The organic vehicle is an organic solvent in which a binder is dissolved. The binder used for the organic vehicle may be any binder selected appropriately from normally used various binders, such as ethyl cellulose and polyvinyl butyral. The organic solvent to be used may also be any solvent appropriately selected from various organic solvents, such as acetone and methyl ethyl ketone.

If necessary, the pastes for the green sheets may be added with an additive selected from various dispersants, plasticizers, dielectrics, sub-component chemical compound, glass frit, insulators, and the like.

Examples of the plasticizers include phthalic acid esters (e.g., dioctyl phthalate and benzylbutyl phthalate), adipic acid, phosphoric esters, and glycols.

To manufacture internal electrode pattern layers that will be constituting the internal electrode layers 12 shown in FIG. 1A after firing, a paste for the internal electrode layers is subsequently prepared. The paste for the internal electrode layers is prepared by kneading a conductive material made of the above-described various conductive metals or alloys with the above-described organic vehicle.

A paste for the terminal electrodes that will be constituting the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 shown in FIG. 1A after firing is prepared similarly to the above-mentioned paste for the internal electrode layers.

An internal multilayer body is manufactured by alternately laminating the inner green sheets and the internal electrode pattern layers using the paste for the inner green sheets and the paste for the internal electrode layers prepared in the above-mentioned manner. After the internal multilayer body is manufactured, a green multilayer body is obtained by forming outer green sheets using the paste for the outer green sheets and pressing them in the lamination direction.

Instead of the above-mentioned method, the green multilayer body may be obtained by alternately directly laminating a predetermined number of the inner green sheets and the internal electrode pattern layers on the outer green sheets and pressing them in the lamination direction.

Specifically, the inner green sheets are formed on carrier sheets (e.g. PET films) as support members by a doctor blade method or so. The inner green sheets are formed on the carrier sheets and are thereafter dried.

Next, the inner green sheets with the internal electrode pattern layers are obtained by forming the internal electrode pattern layers on the surfaces of the inner green sheets using the paste for the internal electrode layers. After the internal multilayer body is manufactured by laminating the multiple inner green sheets with the internal electrode pattern layers, a green multilayer body is subsequently obtained by forming an appropriate number of the outer green sheets on the top and bottom of the internal multilayer body using the paste for the outer green sheets and pressing them in the lamination direction.

Next, green chips are obtained by cutting the green multilayer body into pieces. Incidentally, the internal electrode pattern layers are formed by any method for forming thin films, such as printing method, transfer method, vapor deposition, and sputtering.

The green chips are solidified by removing the plasticizer based on solidification and dry. The element body 4 is obtained by subjecting the green chips after the solidification and dry to a debinding step, a firing step, and if necessary, an annealing step. The debinding step, the firing step, and the annealing step may be carried out continuously or independently.

Next, the paste for the terminal electrodes is applied on both end surfaces of the element body 4 in the Y-axis direction and is fired to form the terminal electrodes 6 and 8. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed, a dummy block 20 is temporarily attached between the lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of two element bodies 4 and 4, and these are initially integrated to form a work 22.

The dummy block 20 is preferably made of a material that is removable in the following steps and is preferably hard to be attached with the paste for the terminal electrodes. The dummy block 20 is made of silicon rubber, nitrile rubber, polyurethane, fluorine resin, PET resin, PEN resin, etc. Preferably, the width in the X-axis direction and the width in the Y-axis direction of the dummy block 20 are approximately the same as those of the element body 4, respectively. The thickness of the dummy block 20 in the Z-axis direction may be equal to or smaller or larger than the thickness of the element body 4 in the Z-axis direction.

Incidentally, without forming the dummy block 20, the work 22 may be formed by directly attaching the lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of the two element bodies 4 and 4 with an adhesive agent that is removable in the following steps. Preferably, the adhesive agent is modified silicone polymer, PVA aqueous solution glue, water-soluble acrylic resin aqueous solution glue, modified polyurethane, two-component aqueous material of modified silicone and epoxy resin, starch glue, etc. Instead of the dummy block 20, the work 22 may be formed by attaching one or more element bodies 4 between the two element bodies 4 and 4.

Since the two or more element bodies 4 and 4 are combined, the work 22 has a thickness that is sufficiently easily handled even if the element bodies 4 and 4 are thin in the Z-axis direction, and the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 can be formed as before by attaching the work 22 into a through hole 32 of a holding plate 30. Incidentally, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are also formed by any appropriate method, such as coating and firing, plating, vapor deposition, and sputtering of the paste for the terminal electrodes. If necessary, a cover layer is formed on the surface of the terminal electrode 6 (8) by plating. The cover layer is Ni plating, Sn plating, Au plating, Cu plating, etc.

After the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed, the dummy block 20 is removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4, and the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 1A is thereby obtained. In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4, and the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is entirely exposed outside.

Next, the upper-surface cover layer 18 is formed on the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The upper-surface cover layer 18 is formed by any method, such as dipping, printing, coating, vapor deposition, and sputtering.

For example, when the upper-surface cover layer 18 is formed by coating, it can be formed by applying a paste for the cover layers onto the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 and firing it. The element body 4 applied with the paste for the cover layers is fired with any conditions and is fired, for example, while being retained at 600 to 1000° C. for 0.1 to 3 hours in a humidified N₂ or dry N₂ atmosphere.

Next, the surfaces of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and the surface of the upper-surface cover layer 18 are polished to be flush with each other. Incidentally, when a plating film is formed on the surfaces of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b, the plating film and the upper-surface cover layer 18 are polished to be flush with each other.

The multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of the present embodiment manufactured in such a manner is mounted on a printed board or so by soldering etc. and is used for various electronic devices. Instead, as shown in FIG. 5, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of the present embodiment is used by being embedded into the multilayer substrate 40. The multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of the present embodiment is preferably specifically used for decoupling capacitors, but is also used for high voltage capacitors, low ESL capacitors, large capacity capacitors, etc.

The multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of the present embodiment is as thin as, for example, half or less compared to conventional ones by dividing the element bodies 4 after the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed.

In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 to be obtained, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4, or the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is entirely exposed. Then, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 can have a small total thickness z0 of 100 μm or smaller (preferably 90 μm or smaller, more preferably 80 μm or smaller, and still more preferably 60 μm or smaller). That is, this contributes to a low profile of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2.

Second Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 2A2, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to First Embodiment. The multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment includes lateral cover layers 18 a continuing to the upper-surface cover layer 18 according to First Embodiment and formed on the lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction. In this structure, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is further strengthened.

The lateral cover layers 18 a are made of any material and may be made of the same material as or a different material from that of the upper-surface cover layer 18. The lateral cover layers 18 a have any thickness and may have the same thickness as or a different thickness from that of the upper-surface cover layer 18.

The lateral cover layers 18 a are formed by any method and are formed by, for example, a method similar to that of the upper-surface cover layer 18.

Third Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 1B and FIG. 2B, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to First Embodiment. In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment, the upper surface 4 c (or the lower surface 4 d) of the element body 4 includes an upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 made of a material that is stronger than the inner dielectric layers 10.

After the element body 4 is formed similarly to First Embodiment, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 is formed on the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 before the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed. The upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 is made of any material, such as glass, alumina based composite material, zirconia based composite material, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, aramid fiber, fiber reinforced plastic, or the like. The upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 may be made of the same material or a different material from that of the upper-surface cover layer 18.

This structure further improves the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a. In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a having an improved strength, even if the element body 4 is thinned, it becomes easy for the element body 4 to have a large length y0 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 1A) or a large width x0 (see FIG. 2A1 and FIG. 2A2), a facing area between the internal electrode layers 12 in the element body 4 is large, and characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a are further improved.

From the above point of view, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 preferably has a relative thickness of 20 to 133% (more preferably, 50 to 100%), which is obtained from the formula of (an average thickness of the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16/an average thickness of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b)×100.

Incidentally, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 is formed of any glass component. Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment has a main component of at least one of Si and Al. Incidentally, the main component is a component that is contained in the glass by 30 mass % to 70 mass %. More preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment has a main component of Si and Al.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 30 mass % to 70 mass % of SiO₂. When SiO₂ is contained in this range, a sufficient amount of network-former oxide is obtained, and plating resistance becomes favorable, compared to when less amount of SiO₂ is contained. When SiO₂ is contained in the above range, a softening point is prevented from being too high, and an operation temperature is prevented from being too high, compared to when more amount of SiO₂ is contained.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 1 mass % to 15 mass % of Al₂O₃. When Al₂O₃ is contained in this range, plating resistance becomes favorable compared to when less amount of Al₂O₃ is contained. When Al₂O₃ is contained in the above range, a softening point is prevented from being too high compared to when more amount of Al₂O₃ is contained.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment includes a sub-component of at least one of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and boron.

When the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment includes a sub-component of at least one of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and boron, the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b are easily formed by plating on a part of the surface of the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16.

When the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains alkali metal, transition metal, and boron, the glass can have a lower softening point, and it becomes easier to deposit a filler constituting the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16.

When the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains alkali metal, plating resistance becomes favorable. The alkali metal of the present embodiment is not limited and is Li, Na, K, etc. As the alkali metal used in the present embodiment, one kind may solely be used, or two or more kinds may be used at the same time. When the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains Li, the glass can densely be fired, and cracks are thereby hard to be generated. When the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains Na or K, thermal expansion coefficient is high, and cracks can thereby be hard to be generated.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 0.1 mass % to 15 mass % of alkali metal.

When the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains alkaline earth metal, the adhesion between the dielectric layers and the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 becomes favorable, delamination is thereby hard to be generated, thermal expansion coefficient is prevented from being too small, and cracks are hard to be generated. When the alkaline earth metal is Ba and the dielectric layers are BaTiO₃, Ba is prevented from eluting to the glass component, and HALT reliability is prevented from being worse. When BaO is contained in the above range, vitrification and plating resistance are favorable, compared to when more amount of BaO is contained.

The alkaline earth metal constituting the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment is not limited and is Mg, Ba, Ca, Sr, etc. The alkaline earth metals may be one kind or two or more kinds. In the present embodiment, the alkaline earth metal is preferably Ba or Ca.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 20 mass % to 60 mass % of BaO.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 70 mass % to 100 mass % of SiO₂, BaO, and Al₂O₃ in total. This makes it easier to form a Ba—Ti—Si—O phase in an interface between the dielectric layers and the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 0 mass % to 15 mass % of CaO. This makes it possible to increase thermal expansion coefficient.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 0 mass % to 20 mass % of SrO. This makes it possible to increase thermal expansion coefficient. When SrO is contained in the above range, compared to when more amount of SrO is contained, SrO is prevented from reacting with BaTiO₃, and insulation property and reliability of chips can be improved.

The transition metal used for the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment is any element, such as V, Zn, W, and Mo, but is preferably V or Zn. This makes it easier to form plating as the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and to deposit a filler explained in Thirty-First Embodiment. The transition metal of the present embodiment may be one kind or two or more kinds.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 0 mass % to 20 mass % of the transition metal.

Preferably, the glass contained in the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 of the present embodiment contains 0 mass % to 10 mass % of B₂O₃. This demonstrates the effect of the glass as a network-former oxide. When B₂O₃ is contained in the above range, plating resistance can be favorable compared to when more amount of B₂O₃ is contained.

In the present embodiment, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 constitutes only a part of the exterior region 11 near its exterior surface, but may constitute most or the whole of the exterior region 11. The upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 can be formed by applying a paste for the reinforcement layer onto the upper surface 4 c or the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 and firing it.

The paste for the reinforcement layer can be obtained by, for example, kneading the above-mentioned glass raw material, a binder whose main component is ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer. The paste for the reinforcement layer is applied onto the element body 4 by any method, such as dipping, printing, coating, vapor deposition, and spraying.

The element body 4 applied with the paste for the reinforcement layer is fired with any conditions and is fired, for example, while being retained at 700 to 1300° C. for 0.1 to 3 hours in a humidified N₂ or dry N₂ atmosphere.

Eleventh Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 7A, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to First Embodiment. In the present embodiment, the entire lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is covered with a lower-surface cover layer 18 c.

Here, the “entire lower surface 4 d” means that the lower surface 4 d is substantially entirely covered, but that there may be a part that is not slightly covered. For example, the lower-surface cover layer 18 c has a cover rate of 90 to 100%, which is obtained from the formula of (an area of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c/an area of the lower surface 4 d)×100. This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 even if it is thinned.

The lower-surface cover layer 18 c of the present embodiment has any thickness, but preferably has a relative thickness of 12 to 120%, which is obtained from the formula of (an average thickness of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c/an average thickness of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b). This further increases the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2.

Preferably, the lower-surface cover layer 18 c of the present embodiment is thinner than the upper-surface cover layer 18 mentioned below. This prevents the length in the Z-axis direction from being too large and allows the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 to be mounted without any problem.

The lower-surface cover layer 18 c is made of any material, such as glass, alumina based composite material, zirconia based composite material, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, aramid fiber, and fiber reinforced plastic, but is preferably made of a glass whose softening point is 600° C. or higher and 850° C. or lower in view of improving the bending strength by strengthening the adhesion with the exterior region 11.

From the above point of view, it is more preferred that the lower-surface cover layer 18 c has a softening point of 600° C. or higher and 850° C. or lower. Such a glass is a Si—B—Zn—O based glass, a Si—Ba—Al—O based glass, or the like. In addition, a glass component of BaO, Al₂O₃, alkali metal, CaO, and SrO may be contained.

Preferably, the glass component constituting the lower-surface cover layer 18 c contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 1 to 20 mass % of B₂O₃, and 1 to 60 mass % of ZnO. This makes it easier to appropriately control the softening point of glass.

Preferably, the glass contained in the lower-surface cover layer 18 c of the present embodiment contains 70 to 100 mass % of SiO₂, B₂O₃, and ZnO in total. This makes it easier to appropriately control the softening point of glass.

Preferably, the lower-surface cover layer 18 c of the present embodiment is made of a material whose elasticity is lower than that of the dielectric layers. This reduces stress impact from outside and thereby makes it possible to prevent cracks in the following steps.

Moreover, the lower-surface cover layer 18 c of the present embodiment is preferably made of a material whose linear thermal expansion coefficient is lower than that of the dielectric layers. This makes it possible to improve the strength by stress adjustment using the difference in linear thermal expansion coefficient.

In the present embodiment, the exterior surface of the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) is covered with an end cover layer 18 b (18 b). This makes it possible to increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. That is, even if the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are thinned by low profile of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2, water can be prevented from entering the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. Thus, even if manufacturing steps of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 include a step using water or a wet step, it is possible to prevent water from entering the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to prevent decrease in insulation property.

Since the exterior surface of the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) is covered with an end cover layer 18 b (18 b), the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment can be strengthened.

In the present embodiment, preferably, the end cover layers 18 b have a cover rate of 96 to 100%, which is represented by (a cover area of the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b/an area of the external surfaces of the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a)×100. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to further strengthen it. From the above point of view, more preferably, the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b have a cover rate of 98 to 100%.

In the present embodiment, the end cover layers 18 b have a relative thickness of 20 to 500%, which is represented by (an average thickness of the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b/an average thickness of the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a)×100. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to strengthen it and also makes it possible to prevent the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 from having a too large length in the Y-axis direction and to mount the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 without any problem.

The end cover layers 18 b are made of any material, such as glass, alumina based composite material, zirconia based composite material, polyimide resin, epoxy resin, aramid fiber, and fiber reinforced plastic, but are preferably made of a glass whose main component is Si or a film whose main component is resin. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to strengthen it.

From the above point of view, such a glass whose main component is Si is a Si—B—Zn—O based glass, a Si—Al-M-O based glass (M is an alkaline earth metal), etc. In addition, a glass component of BaO and alkali metal may be contained.

In the Si—B—Zn—O based glass of the present embodiment, the glass component preferably contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 1 to 20 mass % of B₂O₃, and 1 to 60 mass % of ZnO. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to strengthen it.

In the Si—B—Zn—O based glass of the present embodiment, the glass component preferably contains 70 to 100 mass % of SiO₂, B₂O₃, and ZnO in total. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to strengthen it.

In the Si—Al-M-O based glass of the present embodiment, the glass component preferably contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 2 to 20 mass % of Al₂O₃, and 5 to 20 mass % of MO. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to strengthen it. Incidentally, M is preferably Ca or Sr.

In the Si—Al-M-O based glass of the present embodiment, the glass component preferably contains 70 to 100 mass % of SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and MO in total. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to strengthen it.

The end cover layers 18 b of the present embodiment can be a glass whose softening point is 600° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower. This increases the adhesion with the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) and humidity resistance and also makes it possible to improve the bending strength. From the above point of view, more preferably, the glass used for the end cover layers 18 b has a softening point of 600° C. or higher and 850° C. or lower.

For similar reasons to the lower-surface cover layer 18 c, the end cover layers 18 b of the present embodiment are preferably made of a material whose elasticity is lower than that of the dielectric layers.

Moreover, for similar reasons to the lower-surface cover layer 18 c, the end cover layers 18 b of the present embodiment are preferably made of a material whose linear thermal expansion coefficient is lower than that of the dielectric layers.

In the present embodiment, the upper-surface cover layer 18 covering the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 located between the pair of upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b is formed to have an upper surface that is substantially flush with the surfaces of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b.

The upper-surface cover layer 18 is made of any material and may be made of the same material as or a different material from that of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c or the end cover layers 18 b. As mentioned above, however, the material of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c is determined with emphasis on improvement in bending strength by covering the lower surface 4 d, but the material of the upper-surface cover layer 18 is determined with emphasis on adhesion with the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and the exterior region 11 in view of smoothing steps near the upper surface 4 c. Moreover, the materials of the end cover layers 18 b are determined with emphasis on improvement in humidity resistance. From such points of view, the lower-surface cover layer 18 c, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the end cover layers 18 b are preferably made of different materials.

Since the exterior surface of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c is a flat surface, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is easily embedded into the multilayer substrate 40 as shown in, for example, FIG. 10. In the present embodiment, when the flat surface (the surface of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c) is placed on a mount surface, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 is firmly mounted on the mount surface and has an improved bending strength.

Incidentally, the lower-surface cover layer 18 c may be formed by a resin film. In this case, the end cover layers 18 b and the lower-surface cover layer 18 c are formed, and the resin film may thereafter be attached on the lower surface 4 d by glue, adhesive sheet, etc. The adhesive sheet is a film of PET, PEN, etc.

Next, specifically explained is a method of manufacturing the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 as an embodiment of the present invention.

As with First Embodiment, after the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed, the dummy block 20 is removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4, and the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 7A is thereby obtained. In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 7A, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4.

Next, the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b are formed on the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a, the upper-surface cover layer 18 is formed on the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 perpendicular to the Z-axis, and the lower-surface cover layer 18 c is formed on the lower surface 4 d. The end cover layers 18 b and 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lower-surface cover layer 18 c are formed by any method, such as dipping, printing, coating, vapor deposition, and sputtering.

For example, when the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lower-surface cover layer 18 c are formed by coating, a paste for the cover layers is initially applied and fired on the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a to form the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b, the paste for the cover layers is thereafter applied and fired on the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 to form the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the paste for the cover layers is finally applied and fired on the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 to form the lower-surface cover layer 18 c. The element body 4 applied with the paste for the cover layers is fired with any conditions and is fired, for example, while being retained at 600 to 1000° C. for 0.1 to 3 hours in a humidified N₂ or dry N₂ atmosphere.

Next, the surfaces of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b, the surface of the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the ends of the end cover layers 18 b in the Z-axis direction are polished to be flush with each other. The external surface of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c may also be polished to be flat. Incidentally, when a plating film is formed on the surfaces of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b, the surfaces of the plating film and the upper-surface cover layer 18 may be polished to be flush with each other.

Twelfth Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 8A2, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to Eleventh Embodiment. The multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment includes lateral cover layers 18 a continuing to the lower-surface cover layer 18 c and the upper-surface cover layer 18 according to Eleventh Embodiment and formed on the lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction. This structure further strengthens the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment.

The lateral cover layers 18 a are made of any material and may be made of the same material or a different material from that of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c. The lateral cover layers 18 a may have any thickness and may have the same thickness as or a different thickness from that of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c.

The lateral cover layers 18 a are formed by any method and are, for example, formed by a method similar to that of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c.

Thirteenth Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 7B and FIG. 8B, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to Eleventh Embodiment. In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment, an upper-surface reinforcement layer 16, which is stronger than the inner dielectric layers 10, is formed on the upper surface 4 c (or the lower surface 4 d) of the element body 4. The upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 according to the present embodiment is similar to the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 according to Third Embodiment.

Fourteenth Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 8C, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to Thirteenth Embodiment. The multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b includes lateral reinforcement layers 16 a continuing to the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 according to Thirteenth Embodiment and formed on the lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction. This structure further strengthens the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b. The lateral reinforcement layers 16 a according to the present embodiment are similar to the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a of Twenty-First Embodiment mentioned below.

Twenty-First Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 13A, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to First Embodiment. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13A, the element body 4 includes a pair of lateral reinforcement layers 16 a and 16 a covering the ends of the internal electrode layers 12 exposed to a pair of lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction. In other words, the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a and 16 a are formed on the pair of lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction while being in contact with the internal electrode layers 12. This protects both ends of the dielectric layers in the X-axis direction and both ends of the internal electrode layers 12 in the X-axis direction and makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment.

In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment, even if the element body 4 is thinned, it easily has a large length y0 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 12A) or a large width x0 (see FIG. 13A), a facing area between the internal electrode layers 12 in the element body 4 is large, and characteristics (e.g., capacitance) of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment are further improved.

In the present embodiment, since the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a and 16 a are formed on the pair of lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction while being in contact with the internal electrode layers 12, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 can have a high humidity resistance. That is, water can be prevented from entering the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. It is thereby possible to use the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 in an environment containing water or a humid environment. Moreover, even if the manufacturing steps of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 include a step using water or a wet step, it is possible to prevent water from entering the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 and to prevent decrease in insulation property.

In the present embodiment, the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a preferably have a relative thickness of 100 to 1500%, which is represented by (an average thickness to of the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a/an average thickness t1 of the lateral electrode parts 6 c and 8 c)×100. This makes it possible to further increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment and to strengthen it. In addition, a “width of the capacitance region in the X-axis direction” to a “width of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 in the X-axis direction” is sufficiently ensured, and capacitance characteristics become favorable. In addition, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is prevented from having a too large length in the X-axis direction and can be mounted without any problem.

Incidentally, the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a preferably cover at least the ends of the internal electrode layers 12 on the lateral surface 4 e of the element body 4. This makes it possible to increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment and to strengthen it. From the above point of view, more preferably, the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a cover the entire lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4. Here, the “entire lateral surfaces 4 e” means that the lateral surfaces 4 e are substantially entirely covered, but that there may be a part that is not slightly covered.

The lateral reinforcement layers 16 a are made of any material, such as glass, alumina based composite material, and zirconia based composite material, but are preferably made of a glass (more preferably, a glass containing at least Si and Ba). This makes it possible to prevent the reaction between the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a and the dielectric layers and to improve insulation.

From the above point of view, the glass constituting the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a preferably contains 30 to 70 mass % of Si and 20 to 60 mass % of Ba.

When the above-mentioned amount of SiO₂ is contained, a sufficient amount of network-former oxide is obtained, and plating resistance becomes favorable, compared to when less amount of SiO₂ is contained. When SiO₂ is contained in the above range, a softening point is prevented from being too high, and an operation temperature is prevented from being too high, compared to when more amount of SiO₂ is contained.

Moreover, when the above-mentioned amount of BaO is contained, compared to when less amount of BaO is contained, delamination is less likely to occur due to favorable adhesion with the dielectric layers, crack is less likely to occur due to prevention of thermal expansion coefficient from being too small, and in a case where the dielectric layers are BaTiO₃, HALT reliability is prevented from being worse due to prevention of Ba from being eluted into the glass component. When the above-mentioned amount of BaO is contained, vitrification and plating resistance are favorable, compared to when more amount of BaO is contained.

From the above points of view, more preferably, the glass constituting the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a contains 30 to 70 mass % of Si and 20 to 60 mass % of Ba.

In addition, the glass may contain Zn, Al, B, alkaline earth metal, and alkali metal.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13A, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 is formed continuously to the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a on the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

The upper-surface reinforcement layers 16 have any thickness, but (an average thickness t of the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16/an average thickness to of the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a) is more preferably 33 to 150%. This further increases the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment. When the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is strengthened, it becomes easy for the element body 4 to have a large length y0 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 12A) or a large width x0 (see FIG. 13A), a facing area between the internal electrode layers 12 in the element body 4 is large, and characteristics (e.g., capacitance) are further improved.

In the present embodiment, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 may constitute only a part of the exterior region 11 near its exterior surface, but may constitute most or the whole of the exterior region 11.

Incidentally, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 is made of any material and may be the same material as or a different material from that of the lateral reinforcement layer 16 a.

Next, specifically explained is a method of manufacturing the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 as an embodiment of the present invention.

For example, as shown in FIG. 15, when the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a, the upper-surface reinforcement layers 16, and the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed, a dummy block 20 is temporarily attached between the lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of two element bodies 4 and 4 in a similar manner to First Embodiment, and these are initially integrated to form a work 22.

The lateral reinforcement layers 16 a and the upper-surface reinforcement layers 16 are formed by any method and can be formed by, for example, applying a paste for the lateral reinforcement layers onto the lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4 and a paste for the upper-surface reinforcement layers onto the upper surface 4 c and firing the pastes. The lateral reinforcement layers 16 a and the upper-surface reinforcement layers 16 may be formed at the same time or independently.

Each of the paste for the lateral reinforcement layers and the paste for the upper-surface reinforcement layers is obtained by, for example, kneading the above-mentioned glass raw material, a binder whose main component is ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer. The paste for the lateral reinforcement layers and the paste for the upper-surface reinforcement layers are applied onto the element body 4 by any method, such as dipping, printing, coating, vapor deposition, and spraying.

The element body 4 applied with the paste for the lateral reinforcement layers and the paste for the upper-surface reinforcement layer is fired with any conditions and is fired, for example, while being retained at 700 to 1300° C. for 0.1 to 3 hours in a humidified N₂ or dry N₂ atmosphere.

Incidentally, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are also formed by any method. For example, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 can be formed by attaching the work 22 with the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a and the upper-surface reinforcement layers 16 into the through hole 32 of the holding plate 30 and thereafter subjecting the paste for the terminal electrodes to coating and firing, plating, depositing, sputtering, etc. If necessary, a cover layer is formed by plating or so on the surface of the terminal electrode 6 (8). The cover layer is Ni plating, Sn plating, Au plating, Cu plating, or the like.

After the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed, the dummy block 20 is removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4, and the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 12A is thereby obtained. In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 12A, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4, and the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is entirely exposed outside.

Twenty-Second Embodiment

Except for having end cover layers 18 b, an upper-surface cover layer 18, and lateral cover layer 18 c as shown in FIG. 12B and FIG. 13B, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to Twenty-First Embodiment.

The end cover layers 18 b according to the present embodiment is similar to the end cover layers 18 b according to Eleventh Embodiment. The upper-surface cover layer 18 according to the present embodiment is similar to the upper-surface cover layer 18 according to First Embodiment. The lateral cover layers 18 a according to the present embodiment are similar to the lateral cover layers 18 a according to Second Embodiment.

In the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment, the lateral cover layers 18 a cover a pair of lateral reinforcement layers 16 a of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction and are formed continuously to the upper-surface cover layer 18. This structure further strengthens the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment.

The lateral cover layers 18 a have any thickness and may have the same thickness as or a different thickness from that of the upper-surface cover layer 18.

The end cover layers 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lateral cover layers 18 a may be made of the same material or different materials. As mentioned above, however, the materials of the end cover layers 18 b are determined with emphasis on improvement in humidity resistance, the material of the upper-surface cover layer 18 is determined with emphasis on adhesion with the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 in view of smoothing steps near the upper surface 4 c, and the materials of the lateral cover layers 18 a are determined with emphasis on improvement in strength. From such points of view, the end cover layers 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lateral cover layers 18 a are preferably made of different materials.

Preferably, when the end cover layers 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lateral cover layers 18 a are made of different materials, their characteristics are not very different from each other. Specifically, when the end cover layers 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lateral cover layers 18 a are made of a film whose main component is resin, it is preferred that the differences in elasticity among the end cover layers 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lateral cover layers 18 a are mutually 20×10⁻⁶ Pa or less. Moreover, when the end cover layers 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lateral cover layers 18 a are made of a glass whose main component is Si, it is preferred that the differences in thermal expansion coefficient among the end cover layers 18 b, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the lateral cover layers 18 a are mutually 20×10⁻⁶/K or less. This makes it easier to manufacture the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a and generates fewer failures of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a.

Thirty-First Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 18A, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to First Embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18A, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment includes a reinforcement layer 116 continuously covering the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 from the lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e of the element body 4 facing each other in the X-axis direction. This makes it possible to improve the bending strength of the element body 4 and to prevent the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 from being broken.

FIG. 19A is a cross-sectional view along the IIA-IIA line of FIG. 18A. As shown in FIG. 19A, the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e of the element body 4 may be contacted with the ends of the internal electrode layers 12 in the X-axis direction.

After the element body 4 is formed and before the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed, the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c and the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e are formed on the upper surface 4 c and the lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e of the element body 4.

The reinforcement layer 116 according to the present embodiment contains a filler and a substrate.

In the present embodiment, the filler of the reinforcement layer 116 has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape. In the present embodiment, the filler preferably has a needle-like shape. This allows the reinforcement layer 116 to be stronger.

In the present embodiment, the filler has any particle size in the minor axis. In the present embodiment, the filler preferably has a particle size in the minor axis of 0.1 μm or larger and 3.0 μm or smaller.

In the present embodiment, when the filler has a particle size in the minor axis within the above range, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment can have a high bending strength. In addition, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the filler has a particle size in the minor axis of 0.5 μm or larger and 3.0 μm or smaller.

In the present embodiment, the filler has any particle size in the major axis. In the present embodiment, however, the filler preferably has a particle size in the major axis of 0.5 μm or larger and 15.0 μm or smaller.

In the present embodiment, when the filler has a particle size in the major axis within the above range, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 can have a high bending strength. In addition, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2.

In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the filler has a particle size in the major axis of 3.0 μm or larger and 15.0 μm or smaller.

In the present embodiment, the filler has any aspect ratio, which is represented by (a particle size in the minor axis/a particle size in the major axis). In the present embodiment, the filler preferably has an aspect ratio of 0.7% or more and 60% or less.

In the present embodiment, when the filler has an aspect ratio within the above range, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 can have a high bending strength. In addition, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the filler has an aspect ratio of 0.7% or more and 30% or less.

In the present embodiment, the filler has the above-mentioned shape and size by any method. For example, there is a mixing-type method in which the filler previously having the above-mentioned shape and size is added to a paste for the reinforcement layer 116. In addition, when the filler is a glass, there is a depositing-type method in which a paste for the reinforcement layer 116 contains a predetermined glass raw material and is fired by configuring at a firing temperature or a firing time within a predetermined range.

In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the filler has the above-mentioned shape and size by the depositing-type method. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the firing temperature of the depositing-type method is higher than a softening point of the “glass contained in the reinforcement layer 116” mentioned below by 50° C. or higher. When the firing temperature is high, the glass tends to be sintered densely. In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the firing temperature of the depositing-type method is higher than a softening point of the “glass contained in the reinforcement layer 116” mentioned below by 50° C. to 80° C.

In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the firing time of the depositing-type method is 0.1 hours to 2 hours. When the firing time is long, the glass tends to be sintered densely. In the present embodiment, the firing time of the depositing-type method is preferably 0.1 hours to 1 hour.

In the present embodiment, the amount of the filler in the reinforcement layer 116 is not limited, but is preferably 30 vol % or larger and 80 vol % or smaller, more preferably 45 vol % or larger and 80 vol % or smaller.

In the present embodiment, when the amount of the filler in the reinforcement layer 116 is within the above range, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 can have a high bending strength. In addition, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. In the present embodiment, it is still more preferred that the amount of the filler in the reinforcement layer 116 is 55 vol % or larger and 80 vol % or smaller.

In the present embodiment, the filler constituting the reinforcement layer 116 is made of any material, but is preferably made of glass or alumina. This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2. In addition, it is possible to increase the adhesion between the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and is thereby possible to increase humidity resistance of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2.

In the present embodiment, the filler is preferably made of a glass whose main component is at least one of Si and Al. Incidentally, the main component is a component contained in the glass by 30 mass % to 70 mass %. In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the filler is made of a glass whose main component is Si and Al.

In the present embodiment, the filler is preferably made of a glass whose sub-component is alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and boron.

When the filler is made of a glass whose sub-component is one or more of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and boron, the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b are easily formed by plating on a part of the surface of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c.

In the present embodiment, the alkali metal contained as a sub-component of the glass (the material of the filler) is not limited and is Li, Na, K, etc.

In the present embodiment, the alkaline earth metal contained as a sub-component of the glass (the material of the filler) is Ba, Ca, Sr, etc.

In the present embodiment, the substrate constituting the reinforcement layer 116 is made of any material, but is preferably made of at least one of glass and resin (more preferably, glass).

For example, when the substrate contains glass and resin, it is preferred that the reinforcement layer 116 contains 10 parts by weight to 40 parts by weight of resin to 100 parts by weight of glass.

In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the reinforcement layer 116 contains 15 parts by weight to 30 parts by weight of resin to 100 parts by weight of glass.

In the present embodiment, the reinforcement layer 116 is formed by the paste for the reinforcement layer, and the paste for the reinforcement layer contains a resin whose main component is ethyl cellulose or so for viscosity. When the substrate contains glass and a debinding treatment is carried out during manufacturing, the resin whose main component is ethyl cellulose or so in the paste for the reinforcement layer is burned down and is not thereby contained upon product completion.

In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the substrate is made of a glass whose main component is at least one of Si and Al. Incidentally, the main component is a component contained in the glass by 30 mass % to 70 mass %. In the present embodiment, it is more preferred that the substrate is made of a glass whose main component is Si and Al.

In the present embodiment, the substrate is preferably made of a glass whose sub-component is alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, transition metal, and boron.

In the present embodiment, the alkali metal contained as a sub-component of the glass (the material of the substrate) is not limited and is Li, Na, K, etc.

In the present embodiment, the alkaline earth metal contained as a sub-component of the glass (the material of the substrate) is Ba, Ca, Sr, etc.

In the present embodiment, the substrate is made of any resin, but is preferably made of polyimide resin or epoxy resin (more preferably, polyimide resin). In the present embodiment, the resin (the material of the substrate) may be one kind or two or more kinds.

In the present embodiment, when both the filler and the substrate of the reinforcement layer 116 are glass, when only the filler of the reinforcement layer 116 is glass, or when only the substrate of the reinforcement layer 116 is glass, each glass has any composition, but preferably has the following compositions. Hereinafter, the glasses are referred to as a “glass contained in the reinforcement layer 116” together. Incidentally, when both the filler and the substrate of the reinforcement layer 116 are glass, the composition of the glass is an entire composition of the filler and the substrate in which elements contained in the filler and elements contained in the substrate are summed up.

The glass contained in the reinforcement layer 116 according to the present embodiment is similar to the glass component constituting the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 according to Third Embodiment.

Incidentally, when the glass contained in the reinforcement layer 116 according to the present embodiment contains alkali metal, transition metal, and boron, the glass can have a lower softening point, and it becomes easier to deposit the filler constituting the reinforcement layer 116.

Preferably, the transition metals used for the reinforcement layer 116 according to the present embodiment is V or Zn. This makes it easier to form the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b by plating and to deposit the filler constituting the reinforcement layer 116.

Incidentally, the composition of the glass contained in the reinforcement layer 116 according to the present embodiment may be the same as or different from that of the glass constituting the upper-surface cover layer 18 or the end cover layers 18 b mentioned below.

When the glass contained in the reinforcement layer 116 according to the present embodiment has the above-mentioned structure, a predetermined filler can be deposited. As a result, the reinforcement layer 116 becomes stronger than the inner dielectric layers 10. Thus, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment has a further improved bending strength. When the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment is strengthened, even if the element body 4 is thinned, it easily has a large length y0 in the longitudinal direction (see FIG. 18A) or a large width x0 (see FIG. 19A), a facing area between the internal electrode layers 12 in the element body 4 is large, and characteristics (e.g., capacitance) are further improved.

From the above point of view, the reinforcement layer 116 has a relative thickness of preferably 20 to 133% (more preferably 50 to 100%), which is obtained from the formula of (an average thickness of the reinforcement layer 116/an average thickness of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b)×100.

Next, specifically explained is a method of manufacturing the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 as an embodiment of the present invention.

The element body 4 is initially obtained in a similar manner to First Embodiment.

Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 21, a dummy block 20 is temporarily attached between the lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of two element bodies 4 and 4, and these are initially integrated to form a work 22. At the time of forming the work 22, the paste for the reinforcement layers is applied onto the lateral surfaces 4 e to the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 and is fired to form the reinforcement layers 116.

When the filler is glass and the substrate is glass, the paste for the reinforcement layers is obtained by, for example, kneading the glass raw material containing the above-mentioned component constituting the reinforcement layers 116, a binder whose main component is ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer.

When the filler is glass and the substrate is resin, the paste for the reinforcement layers is obtained by, for example, kneading the glass containing the component constituting the filler, a predetermined resin, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer.

The paste for the reinforcement layers is applied to the element body 4 by any method, such as dipping, printing, coating, vapor deposition, and spraying. In the present embodiment, the paste for the reinforcement layers is preferably applied to the element body 4 in a multilayer manner. Specifically, one layer of the paste for the reinforcement layers is applied and dried, and the paste for the reinforcement layers is further applied thereonto and dried. This step is repeated. Preferably, two layers to 10 layers of the paste for the reinforcement layers are laminated. This makes it possible to increase the density of the reinforcement layers 116 and to reduce the number of holes (voids) in the reinforcement layers 116. As a result, the reinforcement layers 116 can be stronger.

In the reinforcement layers 116 obtained in the above-mentioned manner, the adhesion between the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b is high, and the humidity resistance from the upper surface 4 c is excellent.

In the present embodiment, the element bodies 4 applied with the paste for the reinforcement layers are fired with any conditions and is fired, for example, in a humidified N₂ or dry N₂ atmosphere.

In the present embodiment, when the filler is glass, the filler having a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape can be obtained by firing at a temperature that is higher than a softening point of the glass constituting the filler by 50° C. or higher. In the present embodiment, the firing is preferably carried out at a temperature that is higher than a softening point of the glass constituting the filler by 50° C. to 80° C.

Specifically, the glass constituting the filler preferably has a softening point of 600° C. to 850° C., the firing temperature is preferably 650° C. to 930° C., and the firing time is preferably 0.1 hours to 2 hours.

Next, the work 22 is attached into the through hole 32 of the holding plate 30 to form the terminal electrodes 6 and 8. Incidentally, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed by any appropriate method, such as coating and firing, plating, vapor deposition, and sputtering of the paste for the terminal electrodes. If necessary, a cover layer is formed on the surfaces of the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 by plating. The cover layer is Ni plating, Sn plating, Au plating, Cu plating, etc.

After the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed, the dummy block 20 is removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4, and the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 18A is thereby obtained. In the multi-layer ceramic electronic device 2 shown in FIG. 18A, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on the lower surfaces 4 d of the element bodies 4.

Thirty-Second Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 18B, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to Thirty-First Embodiment. In the present embodiment, the upper-surface cover layer 18 covering the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 located between the pair of upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b is formed to be substantially flush with the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b. The upper-surface cover layer 18 according to the present embodiment is similar to the upper-surface cover layer 18 according to the First Embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the exterior surface of the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) is covered with an end cover layer 18 b (18 b). The end cover layer 18 b (18 b) according to the present embodiment is similar to the end cover layer 18 b (18 b) according to Eleventh Embodiment.

Thirty-Third Embodiment

Except for the following matters, as shown in FIG. 18C, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b according to the present embodiment is similar to the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 a according to Thirty-Second Embodiment. In the present embodiment, the entire lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 is covered with the reinforcement layer 116.

Here, the “entire lower surface 4 d” means that the lower surface 4 d is substantially entirely covered, but that there may be a part that is not slightly covered. For example, the reinforcement layer 116 has a cover rate of 90% to 100%, which is obtained from the formula of (an area of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d/an area of the lower surface 4 d)×100. This makes it possible to increase the bending strength of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b even if it is thinned.

In the present embodiment, the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d, the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lateral surface 4 e (4 e), and the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c may have the same thickness or different thicknesses.

In the present embodiment, the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d has any thickness, but is preferably thinner than the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c. This prevents the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b from being too large in the Z-axis direction and makes it possible to mount the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b without any problem.

In the present embodiment, the surface of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d is a flat surface. Since the exterior surface of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d is a flat surface, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b is easily embedded into the multilayer substrate 40. When the flat surface (the surface of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d) is placed on a mount surface, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 b is attached on the mount surface and has an improved bending strength.

The reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d is formed by any method and is formed by, for example, applying the paste for the reinforcement layer onto the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 and firing it. After that, the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 and the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b are formed. Instead, the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d may be formed by applying the paste for the reinforcement layer onto the lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 with the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 and the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b and firing it. After the firing, the exterior surface of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d may be polished to be flat.

Other Embodiments

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and may variously be changed. Instead, the embodiments may be combined. For example, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 shown in FIG. 1B, FIG. 2B, FIG. 7B, FIG. 8B, FIG. 8C, FIG. 12A, FIG. 12B, FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, and FIG. 17 and the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a shown in FIG. 2C, FIG. 8C, FIG. 13A, FIG. 13B, and FIG. 14 may be the reinforcement layer 116 shown in FIG. 18A to FIG. 23. Specifically, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 and/or the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a may contain a filler and a substrate, the filler may be made of glass or alumina, and the filler may have a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape.

In Eleventh Embodiment to Thirteen Embodiment, the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 located between the pair of upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b is covered with the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a are covered with the end cover layers 18 b and 18 b, but neither the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 located between the pair of upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b nor the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a may be covered.

In Twenty-First Embodiment and Twenty-Second Embodiment, the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 is covered with the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16, but may not be covered.

In First Embodiment to Third Embodiment, Twenty-First Embodiment, Twenty-Second Embodiment, and Thirty-First Embodiment to Thirty-Third Embodiment, the entire lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 may be covered with the lower-surface cover layer. This makes it possible to further increase the bending strength.

In Thirty-First Embodiment to Thirty-Third Embodiment, the reinforcement layer 116 may be formed only on the upper surface 4 c, only on the lower surface 4 d, or only on the lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4. The reinforcement layer 116 may not be formed on either of the pair of lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e or may be formed only on either of the lateral surfaces 4 e.

Thirty-First Embodiment shows a firing method when the filler is glass and the substrate is glass, but a firing method when the filler is alumina is as below.

First, when the filler is alumina and the substrate is glass, the firing method is as below.

A needle-like, column-like, or plate-like alumina is previously contained in a paste for the reinforcement layer together with a glass raw material to be the substrate after firing. Then, the paste for the reinforcement layer is applied onto the element body 4 in the above-mentioned manner.

For example, the element body 4 applied with the paste for the reinforcement layer is fired while being retained at 650° C. to 930° C. for 0.1 hours to 2 hours in a humidified or dry N₂ atmosphere.

When the filler is alumina and the substrate is resin, the firing method is as below.

A needle-like, column-like, or plate-like alumina is previously contained in a paste for the reinforcement layer together with a resin to be the substrate after firing. Then, the paste for the reinforcement layer is applied onto the element body 4 in the above-mentioned manner.

For example, the element body 4 applied with the paste for the reinforcement layer is fired while being retained at 250° C. to 450° C. for 0.1 hours to 2 hours in a humidified or dry N₂ atmosphere. Hereinbefore, shown is a firing method when the filler is alumina.

When one or more element bodies 4 are arranged and attached instead of the dummy block 20 shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 15, and FIG. 21, the element bodies 4 are provided with only the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a and the lateral electrode parts 6 c and 8 c. That is, in that case, obtained is a multilayer ceramic capacitor having a terminal electrode where the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on either the lower surface 4 d or the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4. This multilayer ceramic capacitor has a terminal electrode where the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are not substantially formed on either the lower surface 4 d or the upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 and can thereby be thinner.

The upper-surface cover layer 18 and the lateral cover layers 18 a are formed after the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are formed on the element body 4 in the above description, but the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 may be formed after the upper-surface cover layer 18 and the lateral cover layers 18 a are formed.

The cover layers are formed in any order. For example, the end cover layers 18 b are formed, and the upper-surface cover layer 18 is formed. Moreover, when the upper-surface cover layer 18 and the lateral cover layers 18 a are made of the substantially same material, the upper-surface cover layer 18 and the lateral cover layers 18 a may be formed at the same time. For example, the end cover layers 18 b may be formed after the lower-surface cover layer 18 c is formed, and the upper-surface cover layer 18 may finally be formed. Moreover, when the lower-surface cover layer 18 c, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the end cover layers 18 b are made of the substantially same material, the lower-surface cover layer 18 c, the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the end cover layers 18 b may be formed at the same time.

Incidentally, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 according to the present embodiment may be mounted on a circuit board 40 a as shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 11, FIG. 17, and FIG. 23 using a solder 50. In this case, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 is disposed upside down in the Z-axis direction, and the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b of the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 are directed downward in the figure and are connected to the wiring pattern 42 a of the circuit board 40 a by the solder 50. Incidentally, the solder 50 has a solder fillet and is also contacted with the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a of the terminal electrodes 6 and 8.

In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the longitudinal direction of the multilayer ceramic capacitor is the Y-axis direction, and the short direction of the multilayer ceramic capacitor is the X-axis direction. However, the longitudinal direction of the multilayer ceramic capacitor may be the X-axis direction, and the short direction of the multilayer ceramic capacitor may be the Y-axis direction. That is, the distance between the two terminal electrodes 6 and 8 facing each other can be smaller than the distance between the two lateral surfaces 4 e and 4 e facing each other. In this case, the length x0 in the X-axis direction can be three times or larger than the thickness z0 and is preferably 300 μm or larger (more preferably, 400 μm to 1200 μm). The width y0 in the Y-axis direction can be twice or larger than the thickness z0 and is preferably 200 μm or larger (more preferably, 200 μm to 600 μm).

The multi-layer ceramic electronic device of the present invention is not limited to multilayer ceramic capacitors and is applicable to other multi-layer electronic devices. Other multilayer electronic devices are all electronic devices where dielectric layers (insulation layers) are laminated via internal electrodes and are, for example, bandpass filters, inductors, multilayer three-terminal filters, piezoelectric elements, PTC thermistors, NTC thermistors, and varistors.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the present invention is explained based on more detailed examples, but the present invention is not limited to the examples.

[Experiment 1]

Sample No. 1

As described below, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 1 was manufactured.

100 parts by mass of BaTiO₃ based ceramic powder, 10 parts by mass of polyvinyl butyral resin, 5 parts by mass of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) as plasticizer, and 100 parts by mass of alcohol as solvent were initially mixed and turned into a paste in a ball mill to obtain a paste for inner green sheets.

Apart from the paste for inner green sheets, 44.6 parts by mass of Ni particles, 52 parts by mass of terpineol, 3 parts by mass of ethyl cellulose, and 0.4 parts by mass of benzotriazole were kneaded by a triple roll mill and turned into a slurry to obtain a paste for internal electrode layers.

Inner green sheets were formed on a PET film using the above-manufactured paste for inner green sheets. Next, internal electrode pattern layers were formed in a predetermined pattern using the paste for internal electrode layers, and the sheets were thereafter peeled from the PET film to obtain inner green sheets having the internal electrode pattern layers.

The inner green sheets having the internal electrode pattern layers obtained as described above were laminated alternately to manufacture an internal laminated body.

Next, an appropriate number of outer green sheets was formed on the top and bottom of the internal laminated body using a paste for outer green sheets and was pressed and adhered in the lamination direction to obtain a green laminated body. The paste for outer green sheets was obtained in a similar manner to the paste for inner green sheets.

Next, the green laminated body was cut to obtain green chips.

Next, the obtained green chips were debindered, fired, and annealed with the following conditions to obtain an element body 4.

In the debindering, the heating rate was 60° C./hour, the retention temperature was 260° C., the retention time was 8 hours, and the atmosphere was the air.

In the firing, the heating rate was 200° C./hour, the retention temperature was 1000° C. to 1200° C., and the temperature retention time was 2 hours. The cooling rate was 200° C./hour. Incidentally, the atmosphere gas was a humidified N₂+H₂ mixed gas.

In the annealing, the heating rate was 200° C./hour, the retention temperature was 500° C. to 1000° C., the temperature retention time was 2 hours, the cooling rate was 200° C./hour, and the atmosphere gas was a humidified N₂ gas.

Incidentally, a wetter was used for humidifying the atmosphere gas of the firing and the atmosphere gas of the annealing.

Next, as shown in FIG. 4, a dummy block 20 was temporarily attached between lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of two element bodies 4 and 4, and these were integrated to initially form a work 22. The work 22 was attached into a through hole 32 of a holding plate 30.

Next, a paste for terminal electrodes was prepared by kneading and pasting 100 parts by mass of a mixture of spherical Cu particles (average particle size: 0.4 μm) and flaky Cu powder, 30 parts by mass of organic vehicle (5 parts by mass of ethyl cellulose resin were dissolved in 95 parts by mass of butyl carbitol), and 6 parts by mass of butyl carbitol.

The obtained paste for terminal electrodes was applied onto the end surface of the ceramic sintered body in the Y-axis direction by dipping and was fired at 850° C. for 10 minutes in N₂ atmosphere to form terminal electrodes 6 and 8.

Next, the dummy block 20 was removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4.

Next, a paste for cover layers was prepared by kneading a Si—B—Zn—O based glass powder whose softening point was 600° C., a binder whose main component was ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer.

A pre-fired upper-surface cover layer was printed on an upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 perpendicular to the Z-axis and located between the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b using the paste for cover layers.

After the printing, an upper-surface cover layer 18 was fired on the dried chips while being retained at 700° C. for 0.1 hours in N₂ gas atmosphere.

Next, the surfaces of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b and the upper-surface cover layer 18 were polished to be substantially flush with each other. Then, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was obtained.

The thickness of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was 80 μm. The thickness of the element body 4 was 65 μm. The thickness of an exterior region 11 near the upper surface 4 c was 5 μm, the thickness of an interior region 13 was 40 μm, and the thickness of an exterior region 11 near the lower surface 4 d was 20 μm. Moreover, the thickness of the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) was 15 μm. The relative thickness of the upper-surface cover layer 18, which was obtained from the formula of (an average thickness of the upper-surface cover layer 18/an average thickness of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b)×100, was 90 to 110%.

Sample No. 2

Except for forming no upper-surface cover layer 18, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 2 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 1. The specification of Sample No. 2 is shown in Table 1.

Sample No. 3 to Sample No. 5

Except for changing the glass softening point of the upper-surface cover layer 18 as described in Table 1, the multilayer ceramic capacitors 2 of Sample No. 3 to Sample No. 5 were manufactured similarly to Sample No. 1. The specifications of Sample No. 3 to Sample No. 5 are shown in Table 1.

Sample No. 6

Except that the thickness of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was 60 μm, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 6 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 1. The specification of Sample No. 6 is shown in Table 1.

Sample No. 7

Except that the thickness of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was 60 μm, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 7 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 2. The specification of Sample No. 7 is shown in Table 1.

Sample No. 8

Except for having a step of forming the lateral cover layers 18 a, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 8 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 1. The lateral cover layers 18 a were formed similarly to the upper-surface cover layer 18. The specification of Sample No. 8 is shown in Table 1.

Sample No. 9

Except for having a step of forming the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 9 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 1.

The step of forming the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 was as below.

First of all, a paste for the reinforcement layer was prepared by kneading a Si—Al-M-O based glass powder (M was alkaline earth metal(s) of one or more of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba), a binder whose main component was ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer.

The entire upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 of the work 22 perpendicular to the Z-axis was applied with the paste for the reinforcement layer by dipping and was thereafter dried to obtain a chip. Then, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 was fired on the chip while being retained at 700° C. for 0.1 hours in a humidified N₂ atmosphere.

The specification of Sample No. 9 is shown in Table 1.

<Three-Point Bending Strength>

The three-point bending strength of the obtained multilayer ceramic capacitors 2 was measured using a measuring instrument (product name: 5543, manufactured by Instron). The jig distance between two points that supported the test piece during the measurement was 400 μm. The measurement rate was 0.5 mm/min. An average (unit: MPa) of values obtained by measuring 10 test pieces was measured. Table 1 shows a relative value of each sample when the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 2 was 100%. Incidentally, the average of the values of the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 2 was 200 MPa.

<Adhesion Between Upper Electrode Parts and Upper-Surface Cover Layer>

The adhesion between the upper electrode parts and the upper-surface cover layer was determined visually. The results are shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Relative Thickness of Presence Thickness of Multilayer Adhesion Between Upper-Surface Cover Layer of Lateral Upper-Surface Ceramic Three-Point Upper Electrode Parts Sample Glass Softening Cover Reinforcement Capacitor Bending and Upper-Surface No. Presence Point (° C.) Layers Layer ※1 (μm) Strength Cover Layer 1 yes 600 no 0% 80 150% favorable 2 no no 0% 80 100% 3 yes 550 no 0% 80 105% normal 4 yes 850 no 0% 80 150% favorable 5 yes 950 no 0% 80 125% normal 6 yes 600 no 0% 60  95% favorable 7 no no 0% 60  90% 8 yes 600 yes 0% 80 160% favorable 9 yes 600 no 20%  80 170% favorable ※1 . . . Relative Thickness of Upper-Surface Reinforcement Layer (%) = (Thickness of Upper-Surface Reinforcement Layer/Thickness of Upper Electrode Parts) × 100

In Sample No. 1 and Sample No. 2, Sample No. 1, which had an upper-surface cover layer, was favorable in terms of three-point bending strength compared to Sample No. 2, which had no upper-surface cover layer.

In Sample No. 1 and Sample No. 3 to Sample No. 5, Sample No. 1 and Sample No. 4 (the glass softening point of the upper-surface cover layer was higher than 550° C. and lower than 950° C.) were favorable in terms of the adhesion between the upper electrode parts and the upper-surface cover layer compared to Sample No. 3 (the glass softening point of the upper-surface cover layer was 550° C.) and Sample No. 5 (the glass softening point of the upper-surface cover layer was 950° C.).

In Sample No. 6 and Sample No. 7, Sample No. 6, which had an upper-surface cover layer, was favorable in terms of three-point bending strength compared to Sample No. 7, which had no upper-surface cover layer.

Sample No. 8, which had lateral cover layers, was more favorable in terms of three-point bending strength.

Sample No. 9, which had an upper-surface reinforcement layer, was more favorable in terms of three-point bending strength.

[Experiment 2]

Sample No. 11

As described below, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 11 was manufactured.

As with Experiment 1, a dummy block 20 was temporarily attached between lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of two element bodies 4 and 4, and these were integrated to initially form a work 22 as shown in FIG. 4. Then, the work 22 was attached into a through hole 32 of a holding plate 30.

Next, a paste for terminal electrodes was obtained by kneading and pasting 100 parts by mass of a mixture of spherical Cu particles (average particle size: 0.4 μm) and flaky Cu powder, 30 parts by mass of organic vehicle (5 parts by mass of ethyl cellulose resin were dissolved in 95 parts by mass of butyl carbitol), and 6 parts by mass of butyl carbitol.

The obtained paste for terminal electrodes was applied onto the end surface of the ceramic sintered body in the Y-axis direction by dipping and was fired at 850° C. for 10 minutes in N₂ atmosphere to form terminal electrodes 6 and 8.

Next, the dummy block 20 was removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4.

Next, a paste for cover layers was prepared by kneading a Si—B—Zn—O based glass powder whose softening point was 600° C., a binder whose main component was ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer.

A pre-fired lower-surface cover layer was printed on a lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 perpendicular to the Z-axis and located between the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b using the paste for cover layers.

After the printing, a lower-surface cover layer 18 c was fired on a dried chip while being retained at 700° C. for 0.1 hours in N₂ atmosphere.

The thickness of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was 60 μm. The thickness of the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) was 15 μm. The cover rate of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c was 100%. The relative thickness of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c was 100%.

Sample No. 12

Except for forming no lower-surface cover layer 18 c, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 12 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 11. The specification of Sample No. 12 is shown in Table 11.

Sample No. 13 to Sample No. 15

Except for forming an upper-surface cover layer 18 before forming a lower-surface cover layer 18 c and for changing the thickness of the lower-surface cover layer 18 c as described in Table 11, the multilayer ceramic capacitors 2 of Sample No. 13 to Sample No. 15 were manufactured similarly to Sample No. 11. The specifications of Sample No. 13 to Sample No. 15 are shown in Table 11.

<Three-Point Bending Strength>

The three-point bending strength was measured similarly to Experiment 1. Table 11 shows a relative value of each sample when the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 12 was 100%. Incidentally, the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 12 was 200 MPa.

TABLE 11 Relative Relative Thickness of Thickness of Three-Point Lower-Surface Upper-Surface Bending Cover Layer Cover Layer Strength Sample No. ※1 (%) ※2 (%) (%) 11 100 — 180 12 0 — 100 13 120 100 200 14 100 100 180 15 12 100 150 ※1 . . . Relative Thickness of Lower-Surface Cover Layer (%) = (Average Thickness of Lower-Surface Cover Layer/Average Thickness of Upper Electrode Parts) × 100 ※2 . . . Relative Thickness of Upper-Surface Cover Layer (%) = (Average Thickness of Upper-Surface Cover Layer/Average Thickness of Upper Electrode Parts) × 100

According to Table 11, the three-point bending strength was favorable when there was a lower-surface cover layer (Sample No. 11 and Sample No. 13 to Sample No. 15) compared to when there was no lower-surface cover layer (Sample No. 12).

[Experiment 3]

Sample No. 101 to Sample No. 111

As described below, the multilayer ceramic capacitors 2 of Sample No. 101 to Sample No. 111 were manufactured.

As with Experiment 1, a dummy block 20 was temporarily attached between lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of two element bodies 4 and 4, and these were integrated to initially form a work 22 as shown in FIG. 15.

Next, prepared was a glass raw material where the amount of Si and Ba in the glass raw material was as described in Table 21. Incidentally, the composition of the balance of the glass raw material was CaO, ZnO, and Al₂O₃.

Next, a paste for lateral reinforcement layers was prepared by kneading a binder whose main component was ethyl cellulose, terpineol and acetone (dispersion media), and the above-mentioned glass raw material using a mixer.

The entire lateral surfaces 4 e of the element body 4 of the work 22 were applied with the paste for lateral reinforcement layers by dipping and were thereafter dried to obtain a chip. Then, the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a were fired on the chip while being retained at 850° C. for 1 hour in a humidified N₂ atmosphere.

Next, a paste for terminal electrodes was obtained by kneading and pasting 100 parts by mass of a mixture of spherical Cu particles (average particle size: 0.4 μm) and flaky Cu powder, 30 parts by mass of organic vehicle (5 parts by mass of ethyl cellulose resin were dissolved in 95 parts by mass of butyl carbitol), and 6 parts by mass of butyl carbitol.

After the work 22 was attached into a through hole 32 of a holding plate 30, the obtained paste for terminal electrodes was applied onto the end surface of the ceramic sintered body in the Y-axis direction by dipping and was fired at 850° C. for 10 minutes in N₂ atmosphere to form terminal electrodes 6 and 8.

Next, the dummy block 20 was removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4. Then, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was obtained.

The thickness of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was 80 μm. The thickness of the element body 4 was 65 μm. The thickness of an exterior region 11 near the upper surface 4 c was 5 μm, the thickness of an interior region 13 was 40 μm, and the thickness of an exterior region 11 near the lower surface 4 d was 20 μm. Moreover, the thickness of the lateral electrode part 6 c (8 c) was 5 μm. The relative thickness of the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a, which was obtained from the formula of (an average thickness of the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a/an average thickness of the lateral electrode parts 6 c and 8 c)×100, was 100 to 1500%.

Sample No. 112

Except for forming no lateral reinforcement layer 16 a, the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 112 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 101. The specification of Sample No. 112 is shown in Table 21.

Sample No. 113 and Sample No. 114

Except for changing the relative thickness of the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a as described in Table 21, the multilayer ceramic capacitors 2 of Sample No. 113 and Sample No. 114 were manufactured similarly to Sample No. 101. The specifications of Sample No. 113 and Sample No. 114 are shown in Table 21.

Sample No. 115

Except for forming an upper-surface reinforcement layer 16, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 115 was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 101. The specification of Sample No. 115 is shown in Table 21. Incidentally, the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16 was formed similarly to the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a at the same time as the lateral reinforcement layers 16 a. The relative thickness of the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16, which was obtained from the formula of (an average thickness of the upper-surface reinforcement layer 16/an average thickness of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b)×100, was 75%.

<Three-Point Bending Strength>

The three-point bending strength was measured similarly to Experiment 1. Table 21 shows a relative value of each sample when the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 112 was 100%. Incidentally, the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 112 was 200 MPa.

<Insulation Property IR After Humidity Resistance Load Test>

The obtained multilayer ceramic capacitors 2 were immersed into an acid liquid and measured in terms of insulation resistance by voltage application of 6.3V at 121° C. and 95% RH for 20 hours. Table 21 shows a relative value of each sample when 1×10¹⁰Ω was 100%.

TABLE 21 Insulation Lateral Reinforcement Layers Presence of Three-Point Property IR Each Amount in Relative Upper-Surface Bending After Humidity Sample Glass (mass %) Thickness Reinforcement Strength Resistance No. Si Ba ※1 (%) Layer (%) Load Test (%) 101 10 30 200 no 110 50 102 20 30 200 no 120 100 103 30 30 200 no 120 100 104 50 30 200 no 140 100 105 70 20 200 no 145 100 106 80 15 200 no 150 100 107 50 0 200 no 140 60 108 50 10 200 no 140 92 109 50 20 200 no 140 100 110 30 60 200 no 130 100 111 20 70 200 no 120 90 112 0 0 0 no 100 less than 10% (10 × 10⁸~10⁹ Ω) 113 50 30 100 no 110 90 114 50 30 1500 no 170 100 115 50 30 200 yes 180 100 ※1 . . . Relative Thickness of Lateral Reinforcement Layers (%) = (Average Thickness of Lateral Reinforcement Layers/Average Thickness of Lateral Electrode Parts) × 100

According to Table 21, the three-point bending strength and the insulation property after the humidity resistance load test IR were favorable when there were lateral reinforcement layers (Sample No. 101 to Sample No. 111 and Sample No. 113 to Sample No. 115) compared to when there were no lateral reinforcement layers (Sample No. 112).

According to Table 21, the three-point bending strength was more favorable when there was an upper-surface reinforcement layer (Sample No. 115).

[Experiment 4]

<Manufacturing Example 1>

Sample No. 201

As described below, a multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 of Sample No. 201 was manufactured.

As with Experiment 1, a dummy block 20 was temporarily attached between lower surfaces 4 d and 4 d of two element bodies 4 and 4, and these were integrated to form a work 22 as shown in FIG. 21.

Next, a reinforcement layer 116 covering an upper surface 4 c was formed by the following method.

Next, a paste for reinforcement layer was prepared by kneading 100 parts by mass of a Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O based glass, 10 parts by mass of a resin whose main component was ethyl cellulose, and 35 parts by mass of terpineol and 20 parts by mass of acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer.

The entire upper surface 4 c of the element body 4 of the work 22 perpendicular to the Z-axis was applied with the paste for reinforcement layer by dipping and was thereafter dried to obtain a chip. Then, the reinforcement layer 116 was fired on the upper surface 4 c of the chip while being retained at 850° C. for 0.1 hours in a humidified N₂ atmosphere.

Next, a paste for terminal electrodes was obtained by kneading and pasting 100 parts by mass of a mixture of spherical Cu particles (average particle size: 0.4 μm) and flaky Cu powder, 30 parts by mass of organic vehicle (5 parts by mass of ethyl cellulose resin were dissolved in 95 parts by mass of butyl carbitol), and 6 parts by mass of butyl carbitol.

The obtained paste for terminal electrodes was applied onto the end surface of the ceramic sintered body in the Y-axis direction by dipping and was fired at 850° C. for 10 minutes in N₂ atmosphere to form terminal electrodes 6 and 8.

Next, the dummy block 20 was removed to divide the two element bodies 4 and 4.

The specification of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 is shown in Table 31. The thickness of the multilayer ceramic capacitor 2 was 80 μm. The thickness of the upper electrode part 6 b (8 b) was 15 μm. The thickness of the end electrode part 6 a (8 a) was 10 μm. The relative thickness of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c was 20%.

Sample No. 202 to Sample No. 209 and Sample No. 215 to Sample No. 220

Except for changing the materials of the filler and the substrate of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the upper surface 4 c, the amount, the shape, and the size of the filler, and the firing temperature and the firing time of the paste for reinforcement layer as described in Table 31 or Table 32, the multilayer ceramic capacitors were manufactured similarly to Sample No. 201. The specifications are shown in Table 31 or Table 32.

Sample No. 210

Except that, in forming a reinforcement layer 116 covering an upper surface 4 c, a paste for reinforcement layer was prepared by kneading a plate-like alumina, a Si—Al—Zn—O based glass, a resin whose main component was ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer, and that the firing temperature and the firing time of the paste for reinforcement layer were set to those described in Table 31, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 201. The specification is shown in Table 31.

Sample No. 211

Except for adding a column-like alumina into a paste for reinforcement layer instead of a plate-like alumina in forming a reinforcement layer 116 covering an upper surface 4 c, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 210. The specification is shown in Table 32.

Sample No. 212

Except that, in forming a reinforcement layer 116 covering an upper surface 4 c, a paste for reinforcement layer was prepared by kneading a Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—B—O based glass, a polyimide resin, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer, and that the firing temperature and the firing time of the paste for reinforcement layer were set to those described in Table 32, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 201. The specification is shown in Table 32.

Sample No. 213

Except that, in forming a reinforcement layer 116 covering an upper surface 4 c, a plate-like alumina was added into a paste for reinforcement layer instead of a Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—B—O based glass, and that the firing temperature and the firing time of the paste for reinforcement layer were set to those described in Table 32, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 212. The specification is shown in Table 32.

Sample No. 214

Except for adding a column-like alumina into a paste for reinforcement layer instead of a plate-like alumina in forming a reinforcement layer 116 covering an upper surface 4 c, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 213. The specification is shown in Table 32.

Sample No. 221

Except for forming no reinforcement layer 116 covering an upper surface 4 c, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 201. The specification is shown in Table 32.

<Manufacturing Example 2>

Sample No. 231 to Sample No. 239 and Sample No. 245 to Sample No. 250

Except for forming an upper-surface cover layer 18 and end cover layers in the following manner and for changing the materials of the filler and the substrate of the reinforcement layer 116, the amount, the shape, and the size of the filler, and the firing temperature and the firing time of the paste for reinforcement layer as described in Table 33 or Table 34, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 201. The specifications are shown in Table 33 or Table 34.

The upper-surface cover layer and the end cover layers were formed as below.

First of all, based on the method of Manufacturing Example 1, a dummy block was removed to divide two element bodies 4 and 4, and an element body with terminal electrodes 6 and 8 was prepared.

Next, a paste for cover layers was prepared by kneading a Si—B—Zn—O based glass powder whose softening point was 600° C., a binder whose main component was ethyl cellulose, and terpineol and acetone (dispersion media) using a mixer.

Pre-fired end cover layers were printed on the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts 6 a and 8 a of the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 using the paste for cover layers.

Next, a pre-fired upper-surface cover layer was printed between the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b using the paste for cover layers.

After the printing, the end cover layers 18 b and the upper-surface cover layer 18 were fired on the dried chip while being retained at 650° C. for 0.1 hours in N₂ atmosphere.

Next, the surfaces of the upper electrode parts 6 b and 8 b, the surface of the upper-surface cover layer 18, and the ends of the end cover layers 18 b in the Z-axis direction were polished to be flush with each other. Then, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained.

The relative thickness of the end cover layers 18 b was 100%. The cover rate of the end cover layers was 99%. The relative thickness of the upper-surface cover layer was 90% to 110%. Incidentally, the cover rate of the end cover layers was measured by a SEM observation of the end surfaces.

Sample No. 240

Except for forming an upper-surface cover layer 18 and end cover layers 18 b in a similar manner to Sample No. 231, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 210. The specification is shown in Table 33.

Sample No. 241

Except for forming an upper-surface cover layer 18 and end cover layers 18 b in a similar manner to Sample No. 231, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 211. The specification is shown in Table 34.

Sample No. 242

Except for forming an upper-surface cover layer 18 and end cover layers 18 b in a similar manner to Sample No. 231, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 212. The specification is shown in Table 34.

Sample No. 243

Except for forming an upper-surface cover layer 18 and end cover layers 18 b in a similar manner to Sample No. 231, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 213. The specification is shown in Table 34.

Sample No. 244

Except for forming an upper-surface cover layer 18 and end cover layers 18 b in a similar manner to Sample No. 231, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was manufactured similarly to Sample No. 214. The specification is shown in Table 34.

Manufacturing Example 3

Sample No. 251 to Sample No. 270

Except that a reinforcement layer 116 was not formed on an upper surface 4 c but formed on a lower surface 4 d, and that the materials of the filler and the substrate of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d, the amount, the shape, and the size of the filler, and the firing temperature and the firing time of the paste for reinforcement layer were changed as described in Table 35 or Table 36, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 231. The specification is shown in Table 35.

The reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d was formed in the following manner. First of all, the entire lower surface 4 d of the element body 4 perpendicular to the Z-axis was applied with a paste for reinforcement layer by dipping and thereafter dried to obtain a chip. Then, the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d was fired on the chip at the firing temperature and the firing time described in Table 35 or Table 36. Terminal electrodes 6 and 8, end cover layers 18 b, and an upper-surface cover layer 18 were formed on the element body 4 (the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d was fired) by the method of Manufacturing Example 2.

The ends of the terminal electrodes 6 and 8 in the Z-axis direction near the lower surface 4 d, the ends of the end cover layers 18 b in the Z-axis direction near the lower surface 4 d, and the exterior surface of the reinforcement layer 116 covering the lower surface 4 d were polished to be flush with each other. Then, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained.

Sample No. 260

Except that a reinforcement layer 116 was not formed on an upper surface 4 c but formed on a lower surface 4 d in a similar manner to the Sample No. 251, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 240. The specification is shown in Table 35.

Sample No. 261

Except that a reinforcement layer 116 was not formed on an upper surface 4 c but formed on a lower surface 4 d in a similar manner to the Sample No. 251, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 241. The specification is shown in Table 36.

Sample No. 262

Except that a reinforcement layer 116 was not formed on an upper surface 4 c but formed on a lower surface 4 d in a similar manner to the Sample No. 251, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 242. The specification is shown in Table 36.

Sample No. 263

Except that a reinforcement layer 116 was not formed on an upper surface 4 c but formed on a lower surface 4 d in a similar manner to the Sample No. 251, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 243. The specification is shown in Table 36.

Sample No. 264

Except that a reinforcement layer 116 was not formed on an upper surface 4 c but formed on a lower surface 4 d in a similar manner to the Sample No. 251, a multilayer ceramic capacitor was obtained similarly to Sample No. 244. The specification is shown in Table 36.

<Three-Point Bending Strength>

The three-point bending strength was measured similarly to Experiment 1. Table 31 to Table 36 show a relative value of each sample when the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 221 was 100%. Incidentally, the three-point bending strength of Sample No. 221 was 200 MPa.

<IR After Thermal Shock>

For the obtained multilayer ceramic capacitors, 20 capacitor samples subjected to 2000 cycles (a cycle: the temperature was retained at −55° C. for 10 minutes in an air tank, increased to 125° C. for 5 minutes, retained at 125° C. for 10 minutes in the air tank, and decreased to −55° C. for 5 minutes) were prepared. Insulation resistances of these capacitors were measured after they were applied with a DC voltage (6.3V) at 20° C. for 10 seconds using an insulation resistance meter (R8340A manufactured by Advantest) and were left as they were for 20 seconds. Table 31 to Table 36 show a relative value of each sample when the insulation resistance IR of Sample No. 221 was 100%. Incidentally, the insulation resistance IR of Sample No. 221 was 7.7×10{circumflex over ( )}9Ω.

TABLE 31 Softening Surface Amount of Point of Glass Firing Firing Covered by Filler in contained in Temperature of Time of Sample Reinforcement Material Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement No. Layer Filler Substrate Layer [vol %] Layer [° C.] Layer [° C.] Layer [hr] 201 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 30 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 202 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 203 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 80 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 204 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 30 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 205 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 206 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 80 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 207 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—O 55 630 680 0.1 based glass based glass 208 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—B—O Si—Al—Ca—B—O 55 650 700 0.1 based glass based glass 209 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—V—O Si—Al—Ca—V—O 55 680 730 0.1 based glass based glass 210 upper surface alumina Si—Al—Zn—O 55 750 800 0.1 based glass Filler Presence of Particle Particle Aspect Ratio Upper-Surface Three-Point Size in Size in of Minor Axis/ Cover Layer Bending IR after Sample Minor Axis Major Axis Major Axis and End Cover Strength Thermal No. Shape [μm] [μm] [%] Layers (%) Shock 201 needle- 0.10 0.50 20.0 no 180% 150% like 202 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 160% 150% like 203 needle- 0.10 15.00 0.7 no 190% 150% like 204 needle- 3.00 5.00 60.0 no 170% 150% like 205 needle- 3.00 10.00 30.0 no 200% 150% like 206 needle- 3.00 15.00 20.0 no 220% 150% like 207 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 155% 150% like 208 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 150% 150% like 209 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 140% 150% like 210 plate- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 170% 155% like

TABLE 32 Softening Surface Amount of Point of Glass Firing Firing Covered by Filler in contained in Temperature of Time of Sample Reinforcement Material Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement No. Layer Filler Substrate Layer [vol %] Layer [° C.] Layer [° C.] Layer [hr] 211 upper surface alumina Si—Al—Zn—O 55 750 800 0.1 based glass 212 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—B—O polyimide 55 650 450 0.1 based glass resin 213 upper surface alumina polyimide 55 no 450 0.1 resin 214 upper surface alumina polyimide 55 no 450 0.1 resin 215 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 216 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 217 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 218 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 219 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 10 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 220 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 90 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 221 no no no no no no no Filler Presence of Particle Particle Aspect Ratio Upper-Surface Three-Point Size in Size in of Minor Axis/ Cover Layer Bending IR after Sample Minor Axis Major Axis Major Axis and End Cover Strength Thermal No. Shape [μm] [μm] [%] Layers (%) Shock 211 column- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 160% 155% like 212 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 150% 140% like 213 plate- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 140% 140% like 214 column- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 130% 140% like 215 needle- 0.05 15.00 0.3 no 102% 120% like 216 needle- 5.00 8.00 62.5 no 104% 120% like 217 needle- 0.10 0.10 100.0 no 106% 120% like 218 needle- 0.10 20.00 0.5 no 105% 120% like 219 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 102% 120% like 220 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 no 105% 120% like 221 no no no no no 100% 100%

TABLE 33 Softening Surface Amount of Point of Glass Firing Firing Covered by Filler in contained in Temperature of Time of Sample Reinforcement Material Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement No. Layer Filler Substrate Layer [vol %] Layer [° C.] Layer [° C.] Layer [hr] 231 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 30 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 232 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 233 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 80 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 234 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 30 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 235 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 236 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 80 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 237 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—O 55 630 680 0.1 based glass based glass 238 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—B—O Si—Al—Ca—B—O 55 650 700 0.1 based glass based glass 239 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—V—O Si—Al—Ca—V—O 55 680 730 0.1 based glass based glass 240 upper surface alumina Si—Al—Zn—O 55 750 800 0.1 based glass Filler Presence of Particle Particle Aspect Ratio Upper-Surface Three-Point Size in Size in of Minor Axis/ Cover Layer Bending IR after Sample Minor Axis Major Axis Major Axis and End Cover Strength Thermal No. Shape [μm] [μm] [%] Layers (%) Shock 231 needle- 0.10 0.50 20.0 yes 200% 150% like 232 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 180% 150% like 233 needle- 0.10 15.00 0.7 yes 210% 150% like 234 needle- 3.00 5.00 60.0 yes 190% 150% like 235 needle- 3.00 10.00 30.0 yes 220% 150% like 236 needle- 3.00 15.00 20.0 yes 240% 150% like 237 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 175% 150% like 238 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 170% 150% like 239 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 160% 150% like 240 plate- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 190% 155% like

TABLE 34 Softening Surface Amount of Point of Glass Firing Firing Covered by Filler in contained in Temperature of Time of Sample Reinforcement Material Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement No. Layer Filler Substrate Layer [vol %] Layer [° C.] Layer [° C.] Layer [hr] 241 upper surface alumina Si—Al—Zn—O 55 750 800 0.1 based glass 242 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—B—O polyimide 55 650 450 0.1 based glass resin 243 upper surface alumina polyimide 55 no 450 0.1 resin 244 upper surface alumina polyimide 55 no 450 0.1 resin 245 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 246 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 247 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 248 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 249 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 10 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 250 upper surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 90 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 221 no no no no no no no Filler Presence of Particle Particle Aspect Ratio Upper-Surface Three-Point Size in Size in of Minor Axis/ Cover Layer Bending IR after Sample Minor Axis Major Axis Major Axis and End Cover Strength Thermal No. Shape [μm] [μm] [%] Layers (%) Shock 241 column- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 180% 155% like 242 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 160% 140% like 243 plate- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 160% 140% like 244 column- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 150% 140% like 245 needle- 0.05 15.00 0.3 yes 112% 120% like 246 needle- 5.00 8.00 62.5 yes 114% 120% like 247 needle- 0.10 0.10 100.0 yes 116% 120% like 248 needle- 0.10 20.00 0.5 yes 115% 120% like 249 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 112% 120% like 250 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 115% 120% like 221 no no no no yes 100% 100%

TABLE 35 Softening Surface Amount of Point of Glass Firing Firing Covered by Filler in contained in Temperature of Time of Sample Reinforcement Material Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement No. Layer Filler Substrate Layer [vol %] Layer [° C.] Layer [° C.] Layer [hr] 251 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 30 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 252 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 253 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 80 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 254 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 30 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 255 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 256 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 80 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 257 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—O 55 630 680 0.1 based glass based glass 258 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—B—O Si—Al—Ca—B—O 55 650 700 0.1 based glass based glass 259 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—V—O Si—Al—Ca—V—O 55 680 730 0.1 based glass based glass 260 lower surface alumina Si—Al—Zn—O 55 750 800 0.1 based glass Filler Presence of Particle Particle Aspect Ratio Upper-Surface Three-Point Size in Size in of Minor Axis/ Cover Layer Bending IR after Sample Minor Axis Major Axis Major Axis and End Cover Strength Thermal No. Shape [μm] [μm] [%] Layers (%) Shock 251 needle- 0.10 0.50 20.0 yes 190% 150% like 252 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 170% 150% like 253 needle- 0.10 15.00 0.7 yes 200% 150% like 254 needle- 3.00 5.00 60.0 yes 180% 150% like 255 needle- 3.00 10.00 30.0 yes 210% 150% like 256 needle- 3.00 15.00 20.0 yes 230% 150% like 257 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 165% 150% like 258 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 160% 150% like 259 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 150% 150% like 260 plate- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 180% 155% like

TABLE 36 Softening Surface Amount of Point of Glass Firing Firing Covered by Filler in contained in Temperature of Time of Sample Reinforcement Material Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement Reinforcement No. Layer Filler Substrate Layer [vol %] Layer [° C.] Layer [° C.] Layer [hr] 261 lower surface alumina Si—Al—Zn—O 55 750 800 0.1 based glass 262 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—Li—B—O polyimide 55 650 450 0.1 based glass resin 263 lower surface alumina polyimide 55 no 450 0.1 resin 264 lower surface alumina polyimide 55 no 450 0.1 resin 265 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 266 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 267 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 268 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 55 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 269 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 10 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 270 lower surface Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O Si—Al—Ca—Zn—O 90 800 850 0.1 based glass based glass 221 no no no no no no no Filler Presence of Particle Particle Aspect Ratio Upper-Surface Three-Point Size in Size in of Minor Axis/ Cover Layer Bending IR after Sample Minor Axis Major Axis Major Axis and End Cover Strength Thermal No. Shape [μm] [μm] [%] Layers (%) Shook 261 column- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 170% 155% like 262 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 150% 140% like 263 plate- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 150% 140% like 264 column- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 140% 140% like 265 needle- 0.05 15.00 0.3 yes 107% 120% like 266 needle- 5.00 8.00 62.5 yes 109% 120% like 267 needle- 0.10 0.10 100.0 yes 111% 120% like 268 needle- 0.10 20.00 0.5 yes 110% 120% like 269 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 107% 120% like 270 needle- 0.10 3.00 3.3 yes 110% 120% like 221 no no no no yes 100% 100%

According to Table 31 and Table 32, the three-point bending strength was high when there was a reinforcement layer covering an upper surface (Sample No. 201 to Sample No. 220) compared to when there was no reinforcement layer covering an upper surface (Sample No. 221).

According to Table 31 and Table 32, the IR after thermal shock was favorable when there was a reinforcement layer covering an upper surface (Sample No. 201 to Sample No. 220) compared to when there was no reinforcement layer covering an upper surface (Sample No. 221). This confirms that the adhesion between the upper-surface electrode parts and the reinforcement layer covering the upper surface was favorable when there was a reinforcement layer covering an upper surface (Sample No. 201 to Sample No. 220) compared to when there was no reinforcement layer covering an upper surface.

According to Table 33 and Table 34, the three-point bending strength was high when there were an upper-surface cover layer and end cover layers (Sample No. 231 to Sample No. 250) compared to when there was no upper-surface cover layer or end cover layers (Sample No. 201 to Sample No. 220).

According to Table 35 and Table 36, the three-point bending strength was high when there was a reinforcement layer covering a lower surface (Sample No. 251 to Sample No. 270) compared to when there was no reinforcement layer covering a lower surface (Sample No. 221).

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERICAL

2, 2 a, 2 b . . . multilayer ceramic capacitor

-   4 . . . element body

4 a, 4 b . . . leading end

4 c . . . upper surface

4 d . . . lower surface

4 e . . . lateral surface

-   6 . . . first terminal electrode

6 a . . . end electrode part

6 b . . . upper electrode part

6 c . . . lateral electrode part

-   8 . . . second terminal electrode

8 a . . . end electrode part

8 b . . . upper electrode part

8 c . . . lateral electrode part

-   10 . . . inner dielectric layer -   11 . . . exterior region -   12 . . . internal electrode layer

12 a, 12 b . . . leading part

-   13 . . . interior region -   14 . . . side-gap region -   16 . . . upper-surface reinforcement layer

16 a . . . lateral reinforcement layer

-   116 . . . reinforcement layer -   18 . . . upper-surface cover layer

18 a . . . lateral cover layer

18 b . . . end cover layer

18 c . . . lower-surface cover layer

-   20 . . . dummy block -   22 . . . work -   30 . . . holding plate -   32 . . . through hole -   40 . . . multilayer substrate -   40 a . . . circuit board -   42, 42 a . . . wiring pattern -   50 . . . solder 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-layer ceramic electronic device comprising: an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately along a third axis perpendicular to the plane; and terminal electrodes on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers, wherein the terminal electrodes include: a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis; and a pair of upper electrode parts, each of the pair of upper electrode parts (1) is continuous with one of the pair of end electrode parts and (2) partially covers an upper surface of the element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis, an upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body between the pair of upper electrode parts has an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the pair of upper electrode parts, the upper-surface cover layer is made of glass with a softening point of 600° C.-850° C., and the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body opposite to the upper surface of the element body along the third axis.
 2. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a lateral cover layer that is continuous with the upper-surface cover layer on a part of at least one of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis.
 3. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 1, further comprising a reinforcement layer, wherein the reinforcement layer covers at least one of a pair of lateral surfaces facing each other in the first axis, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the element body, the reinforcement layer contains a filler and a substrate, the filler is made of glass or alumina, and the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape.
 4. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the upper-surface cover layer is at least one of a Si—B—Zn—O based glass and a Si—B—Mg—O based glass.
 5. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the glass of the upper-surface cover layer contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 1 to 20 mass % of B₂O₃, and 20 to 60 mass % of ZnO.
 6. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts are covered with end cover layers.
 7. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the end cover layers are made of a glass whose main component is Si or a film whose main component is resin.
 8. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 7, wherein the glass whose main component is Si is at least one of a Si—B—Zn—O based glass and a Si—Al-M-O based glass, and M is an alkaline earth metal.
 9. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 8, wherein a glass component of the Si—B—Zn—O based glass contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 1 to 20 mass % of B₂O₃, and 1 to 60 mass % of ZnO.
 10. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 8, wherein a glass component of the Si—Al-M-O based glass contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 2 to 20 mass % of Al₂O₃, and 5 to 20 mass % of MO.
 11. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 6, wherein the end cover layers are made of a glass with a softening point of 600° C.-1000° C.
 12. A multi-layer ceramic electronic device comprising: an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately along a third axis perpendicular to the plane; and terminal electrodes on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers, wherein the terminal electrodes include: a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis; and a pair of upper electrode parts, each of the pair of upper electrode parts (1) is continuous with one of the pair of end electrode parts and (2) partially covers an upper surface of the element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis, an upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body between the pair of upper electrode parts has an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the pair of upper electrode parts, and a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body along the third axis is entirely exposed outside.
 13. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising a lateral cover layer that is continuous with the upper-surface cover layer on a part of at least one of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis.
 14. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 12, further comprising a reinforcement layer, wherein the reinforcement layer covers at least one of a pair of lateral surfaces facing each other in the first axis, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the element body, the reinforcement layer contains a filler and a substrate, the filler is made of glass or alumina, and the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape.
 15. A multi-layer ceramic electronic device comprising: an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately along a third axis perpendicular to the plane; and terminal electrodes on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers, wherein the terminal electrodes include: a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis; and a pair of upper electrode parts, each of the pair of upper electrode portions (1) is continuous with one of the pair of end electrode parts and (2) partially covers an upper surface of the element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis, the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body opposite to the upper surface of the element body along the third axis, the lower surface of the element body is entirely covered with a lower-surface cover layer, and the lower-surface cover layer is made of a glass with a softening point of 600° C.-850° C.
 16. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising an upper-surface cover layer covering the upper surface of the element body between the pair of upper electrode parts, wherein the upper-surface cover layer has an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the pair of upper electrode parts, and the lower-surface cover layer is thinner than the upper-surface cover layer.
 17. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising an upper-surface cover layer (1) covering the upper surface of the element body between the pair of upper electrode parts and (2) having an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the pair of upper electrode parts.
 18. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 15, further comprising a reinforcement layer, wherein the reinforcement layer covers at least one of a pair of lateral surfaces facing each other in the first axis, the upper surface, and the lower surface of the element body, the reinforcement layer contains a filler and a substrate, the filler is made of glass or alumina, and the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape.
 19. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the lower-surface cover layer is at least one of a Si—B—Zn—O based glass and a Si—Ba—Al—O based glass.
 20. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the glass of the lower-surface cover layer contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 1 to 20 mass % of B₂O₃, and 1 to 60 mass % of ZnO.
 21. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 15, wherein the exterior surfaces of the end electrode parts are covered with end cover layers.
 22. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 21, wherein the end cover layers are made of a glass whose main component is Si or a film whose main component is resin.
 23. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 22, wherein the glass whose main component is Si is at least one of a Si—B—Zn—O based glass and a Si—Al-M-O based glass, and M is an alkaline earth metal.
 24. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 23, wherein a glass component of the Si—B—Zn—O based glass contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 1 to 20 mass % of B₂O₃, and 1 to 60 mass % of ZnO.
 25. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 23, wherein a glass component of the Si—Al-M-O based glass contains 30 to 70 mass % of SiO₂, 2 to 20 mass % of Al₂O₃, and 5 to 20 mass % of MO.
 26. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 21, wherein the end cover layers are made of a glass with a softening point of 600° C.-1000° C.
 27. A multi-layer ceramic electronic device comprising: an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately along a third axis perpendicular to the plane; terminal electrodes on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers; and a pair of lateral reinforcement layers covering ends of the internal electrode layers exposed at a pair of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis, wherein the pair of lateral reinforcement layers contains a filler and a substrate, the filler is made of glass or alumina, the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape, the terminal electrodes include: a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis; and a pair of upper electrode parts, each of the pair of upper electrode parts (1) is continuous with one of the pair of end electrode parts and (2) partially covers an upper surface of the element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis, and the terminal electrodes are not substantially formed on a lower surface of the element body opposite to the upper surface of the element body along the third axis.
 28. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 27, further comprising an upper-surface cover layer (1) covering the upper surface of the element body between the pair of upper electrode parts and (2) having an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the pair of upper electrode parts.
 29. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 27, wherein the element body includes a reinforcement layer, the reinforcement layer covers at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the element body, the reinforcement layer contains a filler and a substrate, the filler is made of glass or alumina, and the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape.
 30. A multi-layer ceramic electronic device comprising: an element body in which internal electrode layers and insulation layers substantially parallel to a plane including a first axis and a second axis are laminated alternately along a third axis perpendicular to the plane; terminal electrodes on an external surface of the element body and electrically connected with the internal electrode layers; and a pair of lateral reinforcement layers covering ends of the internal electrode layers exposed at a pair of lateral surfaces of the element body facing each other in the first axis, wherein the pair of lateral reinforcement layers includes a filler and a substrate, the filler substrate is made of glass and has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape, the terminal electrodes include: a pair of end electrode parts facing each other in the second axis and covering ends of the element body in the second axis and a pair of upper electrode parts, each of the pair of upper electrode parts (1) is continuous with one of the pair of end electrode parts and (2) partially covers an upper surface of the element body substantially perpendicular to the third axis, and a lower surface of the element body located opposite to the upper surface of the element body along the third axis is entirely exposed outside.
 31. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 30, further comprising an upper-surface cover layer (1) covering the upper surface of the element body between the pair of upper electrode parts and (2) having an external surface substantially flush with external surfaces of the pair of upper electrode parts.
 32. The multi-layer ceramic electronic device according to claim 30, further comprising a reinforcement layer, wherein the reinforcement layer covers at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface of the element body, the reinforcement layer contains a filler and a substrate, the filler is made of glass or alumina, and the filler has a needle-like shape, a column-like shape, or a plate-like shape. 